International Institute for Population Sciences
Deemed to be University (An Autonomous Organization of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India)

Ayushman Bharat – School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP) is a comprehensive programme which envisages holistic development of the students in India. Kerala has not yet implemented the programme. A base-line survey meanwhile will be of great use to assess the prevailing level of awareness among the school children in the state. The present study collected information from students in the 8th standard of two districts- Alappuzha and Palakkad. A sample of 436 students was interviewed with a structured schedule. Base-line survey collected information on 11 thematic areas. Children generally depend on their mother for revealing daily activities, however, as age increase the time spent with family members’ decreases. Moreover, friends replace family members as the most dependent person in their life. Junk foods replace traditional breakfasts and dinner among the students. Only one tenth of the students like nutrient rich food items -egg, milk and nuts among the study population. Situation management skill is poor among the students. In general, students are more aware of their strengths than their weaknesses. Taboos regarding male dominance exist among the students. A sizeable portion of the students are having common misbelieves on stereotyping roles of boys and girls like- boys don’t cry, men are energetic, girls must be obedient etc. Awareness on narcotics, age-appropriate information on sexual health, bodily changes are not adequate among the students. Awareness on various national level programmes is inadequate among the students.