Internationally, in spite of the fact that school age children do not suffer from the high mortality of preschool children; there exist significant burden of morbidity among them. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of school health clinic on school attendance rate within Owerri Municipal LGA, Imo State, Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out to assess school health services in 36 government approved primary (12 public and 24 private) schools within Owerri Municipal LGA. Relevant data was obtained from school head teachers using an evaluation scale and direct observation was done where applicable. The responses were scored using the School Health Programme evaluation scale. Thereafter, a prospective (pre-test – post-test) study was carried out in two public primary schools between May to December 2017 (two academic terms). Within the period (September to December 2017) an intervention was carried out which involved the running of school clinics in two selected public primary schools. School attendances were kept during the pre-intervention and intervention periods using a check off list for monitoring daily attendances and reasons for absenteeism. The total absenteeism rate was significantly higher in the intervention period than the pre intervention period (p= 0.001). Illness (21.5%) was the commonest reason for absenteeism while fever was the most frequently encountered presenting complaint in the school clinic. Absenteeism due to Illness was significantly lower after the introduction of clinic (16.9%) than in the pre intervention period (26.5%).

Keywords: Impact, school health, clinic and school attendance rate.

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