Safety practices in relation to the prevention and management of sports injuries in Kampala primary Schools

Abstract

This study focused on the safety practices related to prevention and management of sports injuries in Kampala primary schools in Uganda. The study was guided by the following objectives; to investigate the safety practices implemented in schools, to determine the factors that affect the safety practices in schools, and to find out strategies that will ensure safety in sports in primary schools. The study used 278 teachers from 126 public and private primary schools from the five divisions of Kampala district. The study employed descriptive cross sectional survey design. A single questionnaire set, observation and interview were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics using frequencies and percentages at a 0.05 level of significance. The study findings confirmed that school sports safety polices and guidelines were existing, however, teachers were not adequately implementing the safety practices. The study further revealed limited funding compromised schools' capacity to adequate ly finance activities like employing qualified teachers, adequate safe and standard equipment and facilities. maintenance of facilities. large class sizes, inadequate knowledge about safety and poor injury management hindered adequate implementation of safety practices. From the study, it was found that there were strategies used to ensure the safety of learners during sports. In conclusion, the study was conducted because there was limited information relating to the practices put in place to ensure safety during sports in Kampala primary schools. Finally, from the findings, enforcement of safety polices and guidelines is recommended, having a safety management system, retraining and education for all sports teachers in sports safety and injury management.