The Fit for School health outcome study – a longitudinal survey to assess health impacts of an

integrated school health programme in the Philippines

Bella Monse,1Habib Benzian

In line with the effects of health on the holistic performance and condition of children, this 4-
year cohort study was conducted to determine if the Fit for School Programme in the Philippines has an
impact on the health of the children included in the study population at Camiguin, Mindanao, with a
control group at Gingoog, Mindanao.

The experimental population was divided into three groups, wherein: group 1 was exposed to
the Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) which includes daily handwashing with soap and
toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, and with 400mg albendazole for deworming; group 2 was given
the same EHCP with an access to Oral Urgent Treatment in schools, twice a year; group 3 was given
the same EHCP as the other two groups, however, they were given high-fluoride concentration gel for
toothbrushing, once a week. As mentioned, there is also an involvement of a non-concurrent control
group.
Last 2009, the study started with first-grade students, from 6-7 years of age) from different
public schools at Camiguin. Also, an external concurrent control group, which consisted of children
with similar characteristics (health and socioeconomy) as to the experimental group, was formed from
children in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao. Data collection was done every August,
for 4 years. Last August 2009 and August 2010, anthropomentric indicators for BMI (body mass index)
calculation, dental caries and stool samples for STH (soil-transmitted helminths) infection were
collected, and were then analyzed.

After a year, it was observed in the first experimental group that the average BMI was
significantly increased in contrast to the prevalence of STH infections which has significantly
decreased. In addition, dental caries and infections were slightly reduced and has no significant
difference as compared to the non-concurrent control groups. The researchers have mentioned that
results of the other two groups would be stated in a different report.

The results have indicated the positive health impact of implementing EHCP, which includes
deworming and handwashing, and toothbrushing, resulting to low STH infection prevalence and higher
BMI, and to decreased formation of dental caries, respectively. The researchers were looking forward
to a more solid protocol and functional logistic support for the confirmation of the trends observed in
the first year of assessment.