The school health team visits secondary schools annually to conduct health screening of students.  The table below provides information on the types of screening and services provided for secondary school students.

Educational Level

Type of Screening

Secondary 1
  • Spinal screening
  • Review of health conditions where applicable
  • HPV immunisation (only for female students) 

Secondary 2
  • Height/Weight/BMI measurements
  • Hearing screening
  • Spinal screening
  • Developmental (puberty) screening
  • Review of health conditions where applicable
  • Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Screening and Healthy Lifestyle Management Programme* (only for selected students)
  • HPV Immunisaton (only for female students) 
     

Details on HPV Immunisation 

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus, a common virus that can infect many parts of the body in both males and females. Certain types of HPV can persist and cause abnormal changes to cervical cells. These abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer. 

The HPV vaccination can help to protect against specific types of HPV infection that may lead to cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination is recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) for all females aged 9 to 26 because of the cost-effectiveness and significant impact of the vaccine in the prevention of cervical cancer.

Details on Screening Performed

Hearing Screen

Hearing issues may affect learning. Early detection and correction of hearing issues ensure that your child's learning will not be affected.

The student will be asked to put on headphones and have his/her hearing tested with an audiometer. If the student cannot hear all or some of the sounds, his/her ear may be examined and he/she will be referred to the Student Health Centre for further assessment.

Please refer to the Advisory on the hearing test. The advisory lists signs and symptoms which may suggest that further assessment of your child's hearing is advisable.

Spinal Screening for Curved Spine (Scoliosis)

Scoliosis is a condition where the normally straight spine curves to form an "S" shape or "C" shape. This is a deformity of the spine and should not be confused with poor posture.

During the check-up, your child will be asked to face his/her back to the female nurse before being asked to remove their top. Your child's back will be examined from behind while standing upright and while bending forward so that the nurse can screen for abnormal curvature of the backbone (Forward Bending Test). If further assessment is required, your child will be referred to the Student Health Centre at the Health Promotion Board. 

Please access this Scoliosis Information Pamphlet for more information on Curved Spine (Scoliosis).

Height/Weight/BMI Measurements

Your child will have his/her height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements taken. This is to facilitate assessment of his/her growth. Growth charts are used to compare his/her height and BMI^ with those of other children of the same age.

Body Mass Index is calculated using this formula. [Weight (kg)/Height(m) x Height(m)]. After the BMI value is calculated, it is plotted on a BMI-for-age percentile chart. Separate charts are used for boys and girls. The percentile or percentile range shows the relative position of the child’s BMI among children of the same age and gender.

Percentile Weight Status
(For Boys & Girls aged 6-18years old)
>97th percentile Severely overweight
90th to <97th percentile Overweight
5th to <90th percentile Acceptable weight
3rd to <5th percentile Underweight
<3rd percentile Severely underweight

Secondary 2 students who are found to be Overweight / Severely Overweight, may be enrolled into the Healthy Lifestyle Management Programme, where lifestyle coaching services may be provided. They will also be offered the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Screening Programme. The screening involves blood pressure measurements and relevant screening blood tests to detect conditions such as abnormal blood pressure, blood cholesterol and/or blood sugar. If eligible and consented, your child may undergo these blood tests and measurements in school/clinic.

If required, a referral will be given for your child to be seen at the Student Health Centre for further assessment.

Developmental (puberty) screening

The student will be asked questions regarding their pubertal status. The age of onset of menstruation (for girls) or the break of voice (for boys) will be asked about during the check-up. 

Your child will be referred to the Student Health Centre for further assessment if required.

Review of Health Conditions Where Applicable

Any specific conditions detected during previous school health visits will be reviewed in subsequent school health visits as necessary.

As the health check-up provides screening for specific conditions only, please seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your child's health.

Revised Oct 2021

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