Abstract
Objective: This study aims at investigating the present condition about cooperation between schools and medical institutions to support students with eating disorders and their guardians. Subjects and Method : We conducted the questionnaire for school nurses and the effective replies of 362 were obtained (valid response rate was 56.9%). Results : (1) Although school nurses thought that support for the students with eating disorders by school nurses was necessary, the rate actually supported was low. (2) Although school nurses of elementary schools (85.2%), junior high schools (92%), and high schools (93.7%) thought that cooperation of schools and medical institutions was necessary, the ratio of actual cooperation was low, 20.9% for the elementary schools, 50.7% for the junior high schools and 31.7% for the high schools. (3) Almost of all school nurses who experienced cooperation with medical institutions thought that actual cooperation was effective and little in trouble. (4) When cooperating with medical institutions, 80% or more school nurses answered that support was necessary for guardians, but the actually supported percentage was 40% or less. The ratio of "support is effective" was high (90% or more) and that of the troubles are low (less than 15%). Conclusion : Validity is realized on actual cooperation between schools and medical institutions by the school nurses although problems exist. It was indicated that we had better come up with various things in order to develop school-medical institution cooperation.
