Role of School Nurses in Promoting Adolescent Health: Aligned with SDG 3 & SDG 11

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes, yet it is also a period of vulnerability to health risks such as mental illness, poor nutrition, substance use, and reproductive health challenges. Schools, as daily points of contact for young people, provide an ideal setting for health promotion, with school nurses playing a central role in safeguarding adolescent well-being. This secondary research paper explores the multifaceted contributions of school nurses in promoting adolescent health by synthesizing evidence from global studies, policy documents, and program evaluations. The findings reveal that school nurses improve health outcomes by providing preventive education, mental health support, sexual and reproductive health counseling, chronic illness management, and lifestyle interventions. Their work has also been linked to reduced absenteeism, improved academic performance, and increased health awareness among students. However, systemic barriers such as shortages of trained personnel, high nurse-to-student ratios, cultural resistance to sensitive topics, and insufficient institutional support limit their effectiveness. The study concludes that empowering school nurses through increased investment, specialized training, and stronger policy integration is essential for achieving comprehensive adolescent health promotion and building healthier, more resilient future generations.