An Alternative Approach to Enhancing the Health and Well- being of Senior High School Students (SHS) in a Private School in Dasmariñas, Cavite

Abstract

The health and well-being of Senior High School (SHS) students are crucial to their academic success, personal growth, and long-term potential. However, in today’s fast-paced academic environment, students face mounting challenges such as academic stress, health concerns, and limited access to responsive care. With traditional school health systems often under- resourced, there is a pressing need for innovative, scalable solutions. This study explored a technology-driven approach to student wellness in a private school in Dasmariñas, Cavite, during the 2023–2024 academic year. Grounded in Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the Health Belief Model, the research evaluated three interventions: a digital triage tool called “Tele-doc,” school-wide health education campaigns, and curated health content via social media platforms. Prompted by a high average of 1,086 monthly clinic visits—mostly for minor issues such as headaches, dizziness, and menstrual cramps—the study addressed both local and national concerns regarding the availability of school health personnel. With a national nurse-to- student ratio of 1:5,000, the Department of Education’s limitations were a driving force behind this project. The study focused on 50 purposively selected SHS students aged 16 and above, who were actively using school health services. Over a three-month intervention (August–October 2023), researchers gathered data using validated tools (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87) and applied both descriptive and comparative statistics to analyze the results. The study revealed that Tele-doc was the most preferred intervention (40%), followed by health campaigns (38%) and social media engagement (22%). These tools led to a 15.28% decrease in clinic visits, suggesting a shift toward self-care and virtual consultations. Symptom-specific reductions were also recorded: 7.76% in headaches, 10.20% in dizziness, and 11.11% in menstrual cramps. Additionally, 70% of students reported increased confidence in managing their symptoms, while 60% were satisfied with Tele-doc’s accessibility, and 68% found the social media tips helpful. These results affirm the core principles of the HPM and HBM—namely, that individuals are more likely to adopt healthy behaviors when given the means, motivation, and a supportive environment.