School Health Service Responsiveness and Learner Wellness Support in Basic Education

Abstract

This study positioned school health services as a critical support mechanism for learner wellness in basic education, particularly in contexts where health needs, psychosocial concerns, and referral demand intersect with everyday schooling. It determined the level of school health service responsiveness, the extent of learner wellness support, the relationship between the two variables, and the responsiveness dimensions that predicted stronger wellness support. A predictive relational survey design with service responsiveness mapping was employed. Data were gathered through a validated researcher-developed questionnaire that measured timeliness of assistance, accessibility of services, clarity of health communication, continuity of care, referral coordination, and major areas of learner wellness support. The instrument showed excellent internal consistency, with an overall Cronbach’s alpha of 0.94. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho correlation, ordinal logistic regression, marginal effect interpretation, and a priority response index were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that school health service responsiveness and learner wellness support were generally high, although continuity of care, referral coordination, mental and emotional wellness support, and family-community linkage remained moderate. A strong positive relationship was found between school health service responsiveness and learner wellness support. Regression results showed that continuity of care and monitoring was the strongest predictor, followed by referral coordination. The findings indicate that learner wellness support improves when school health services move beyond immediate assistance toward sustained monitoring, structured referral, and coordinated care. Strengthening health tracking systems, referral protocols, psychosocial support, and family-community partnerships is recommended to improve learner-centered wellness services in basic education.