Pediatricians' response to the demand for school health programming

Objective. Because of the broad and increasing interest in school health, t he American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) surveyed its members to determine t heir awareness of school health education/programs, their level of particip ation, their desire to participate, and their resource needs to participate more effectively. Methods. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to a randomized repre sentative sample of AAP members (N = 1602). Overall response rate was 64.5% . Some responses were stratified for analysis by gender; age (>45 years or less than or equal to 45 years); practice area (urban, suburban, or rural); practice setting (solo, group, or hospital); and type of practice (general versus specialty). chi(2) Tests were used to compare responses. Results. Greater than half of the pediatricians who responded to the questi onnaire were aware of school health education curriculum on risky adolescen t behaviors in their community, counseling services (58%), school nursing s ervices (63%), and screening services (71%); however, more than half were n ot aware of curriculum on injury/violence prevention, fitness, or whether a school health advisory council was available. Most pediatricians supported comprehensive school health education (pregnancy prevention, 82%; violence prevention, 77%; mental health, 56%). Also, respondents supported services (counseling, 76%; nutrition, 65%; screening/referral, 58%; school-based pr imary care, 58%). Although 22% of AAP pediatricians are currently working w ith local school programs, >70% wanted to become involved or more involved and needed information on how they may be able to participate. Only 25% bel ieved they were adequately prepared. Two thirds believed school-based clini cs were one of the best ways to reach underserved children and adolescents and should include preteens. Conclusion. AAP pediatricians want to become more involved with comprehensi ve school health programs. The ways in which they want to participate vary substantially. Most pediatricians thought they needed additional education. The AAP has developed recommendations for graduate medical education and c ontinuing medical education for pediatricians to participate in integrated school health services.