Qualitative study investigating the health needs of school-aged children and adolescents in Dubai

Abstract

Background Children’s health has been linked with morbidities such as cardiovascular events, type 2 diabetes and obesity in adulthood. Further efforts are needed to understand the current and emerging challenges due to the potential changes in the social context among school-aged children and adolescents at schools.Objective The study aims to investigate the health needs of school-aged children and adolescents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design 9 semistructured focus groups and 1 in-depth interview among 10 entities and 5 schools were used to investigate current health needs for schools. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analysed using a content analysis approach.Setting The focus groups and the in-depth interviews were conducted face to face in Dubai, UAE, from February to May 2023.Participants 52 participants representing different specialties and roles in school health, such as senior employees, managers, teachers, healthcare professionals, principals, social workers/counsellors and parents, participated in this study. Most participants were females, 41 (78.8%) compared with 11 males (21.2%).Results The study identified six health themes that address the health needs in schools. The themes highlighted the importance of creating new school health services, programmes, health education sessions, policies, data quality measures and innovative technologies. The participants deemed developing and improving health services, programmes, health education sessions, policies in nutrition, social and mental health, physical activity, and health promotion necessary in schools. Training school staff to manage and handle data was also essential to improve data quality. Using innovative technologies such as applications and electronic student files linked to electronic medical systems may further support school health professionals in schools.Conclusion The health needs assessment identified the gaps and challenges that must be addressed to improve students’ health. Policy-makers could use the key results from the six themes to develop effective school health strategies.