PERCEIVED HEALTH NEEDS OF SECONDARY-SCHOOL STUDENTS IN UYO, AKWA-IBOMSTATE, NIGERIA

Nigeria generally has overlooked the health needs of its adolescents. To determine student perceptions of their health-related needs, some 6 00 students in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, were surveyed, and they identified several concerns. Their responses provided the basis to offer five recommendations for action: improve the quality of schoo l health service facilities and personnel available in the secondary s chools; implement a comprehensive national program of drug education a nd control; provide a healthful school environment; assess the quality and quantity of food provided to students, especially in boarding sch ools; and implement a comprehensive school health education program in Nigerian schools.