Original Research

Communal child-rearing: The role of nurses in school health

Fhumulani M. Mulaudzi, Mmapheko D. Peu
Curationis | Vol 37, No 1 | a1158 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v37i1.1158 | © 2014 Fhumulani M. Mulaudzi, Mmapheko D. Peu | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 06 March 2013 | Published: 16 October 2014

About the author(s)

Fhumulani M. Mulaudzi, Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Mmapheko D. Peu, Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Child-rearing remains a concern within our communities, especially because families of today lack primary parents due to multifaceted challenges such as working mothers, diseases and violence. Health-promoting school initiatives are necessary because they allow a multifaceted approach to child-rearing. They further provide a conducive environment for continued schoolchild-rearing moving from home to school.

Objectives: This study promotes an integrated approach to school care using the African concept of Ubuntu – solidarity and sense of community – as a point of departure. The socio-ecological model was used, which includes the work of the school healthcare nurse in contributing to holistic health services.

Method: An integrative review was conducted in January 2013, which included methodology studies, a theory review and a variety of studies related to school health. The studies were categorised according to school health, Ubuntu and the socio-ecological model.

Findings: The role of school healthcare nurses entails acting as a liaison officer between a variety of stakeholders who work together to shape the future of children.

Conclusion: Ubuntu, together with the socio-ecological model, can assist us to involve an entire community to raise children. This knowledge serves as a background to the planning of a school health programme. The role of the nurse in school health can also assist in collaborative efforts to formulate the programme and develop the competencies that will inform school health nurse training curricula.


Keywords

school health, health promotion, nursing, Ubuntu

Metrics

Total abstract views: 5711
Total article views: 9806

 

Crossref Citations

1. Development and exploratory testing of a school‐based educational program for healthy life behaviors among fifth grade children in South Korea
Shin‐Jeong Kim, Seong‐Sook Baek, Kyung‐Ah Kang
Japan Journal of Nursing Science  vol: 14  issue: 1  first page: 13  year: 2017  
doi: 10.1111/jjns.12130