OVER CROWDING AND POOR VENTILATION IN THE SCHOOL CANTEEN
DURING RECESS
Name of researchers:
Villanueva, Chelsey Angelica M.
Palma, Jude Manuel C.
Palomares, Regie A.
Grade and section:
Grade 10 J-R FELIPE
School year:
2025-2026
Name of adviser
Sharmaine Diaz
Date of title defense:
January 16, 2026
INTRODUCTION
School canteens play an important role in students’ daily school life as they provide access to
food and serve as spaces for rest and social interaction during break time. A well-organized,
clean, and properly ventilated canteen contributes to students’ comfort, well-being, and
positive dining experience. However, overcrowding in school canteens has become a common
Issue that negatively affects students’ ability to eat comfortably and enjoy their break time
(Shah, 2022).
Overcrowding in school cafeterias may lead to discomfort, stress, long queues, and limited
seating, which can affect students’ eating habits and overall satisfaction. In addition, inadequate
ventilation may cause poor air circulation and increased heat, making the environment
unpleasant for both students and staff. These conditions may also have effects on students’
health and behavior during recess (Osai et al., 2021).
In the Philippines, the government has implemented programs and policies aimed at improving
students” nutrition and school meal environments (SchoolFood, 2018). Despite these efforts,
challenges related to canteen space, ventilation, and student congestion remain evident in
many public schools. These concerns highlight the need to examine the actual conditions of
school canteens and how they affect students’ dining experiences.
This study focuses on the school canteen in Southville, where a growing student population and
limited canteen space contribute to overcrowding, especially during recess. By examining the
level of overcrowding and adequacy of ventilation, the study aims to provide a clearer
understanding of how these factors influence students’ comfort and overall dining experience
(Celeste, 2024).
Some students have been complaining about the school canteen being too crowded during
recess. Because of the limited space, accidental physical contact happens, whether intentional
or not. This often leads to misunderstandings and minor conflicts among students due to
pushing and shoving in the cramped area. In addition studying this issue will help identify the
main causes of overcrowding and find possible solutions to improve the canteen environment
for all students.
The purpose of this study is to examine the problems caused by the overcrowded and
uncomfortable conditions of the Southville IV National High School canteen during recess. We
aim to identify the main causes of these problems, understand how they affect the students,
and explore possible improvements to make the canteen safer and more comfortable for all
students.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In the past years, around 2023, the canteen was still manageable because students were not
crowding inside. They always lined up properly since the Boy Scouts were assigned to monitor
the area, allowing only a limited. Number of students to enter at a time. Because of this system,
buying food at the canteen was not too much of a hassle.
However, now the canteen has become extremely crowded because there are no longer Boy
Scouts monitoring the students, and there is also a lack of discipline among the students,
especially the Grade 10 boys. Many of them do not listen to the Boy Scouts or to anyone, which
makes the situation worse.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
This study focuses on the relationship between the conditions of the school canteen and their
effects on students during rec.
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE
Overcrowded canteen CONCEPTUAL
during recess FRAMEWORK
Limited space and
seating capacity This study looks at how the
High noise level availability of medical
supplies in the school
health clinic affects
students' health,
participation, and
academic performance.
his framework shows the relationship between the conditions of canteen (inputs) and their
effects on students (output). It focuses on how factors like o overcrowding, ilmited seating, and
noise directly influencing students comfort, safety, and overall experience.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
What we are focusing on in this study is the issue of the overcrowded canteen and the
experiences of the students of SV4NHS during recess, Including their safety and comfort while
having their break.
[Link] can students be prevented from being disruptive while in the canteen?
[Link] are the recess times for each grade level?
[Link] can the number of students in the canteen during each recess be reduced?
SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Scope
The focus of our study is on all students attending Southville IV National High School.
Limitation
This study is limited to observations and surveys conducted during recess does not include
students from other schools.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will benefit the following:
Students-Enable for them to have a clean, safe and ventilated area for their breaktime.
Teachers -Because it will reduce excessive noise, preventing disruption to classes held during
the recess of two grade levels.
Canteen staff-Because it will be easier to sell when the canteen is less crowded. They will also
avoid having their items stolen or taken without permission due to the large number of
students.
DEFINITION OF TERMS-The following words are contextualize and localize to a better
comprehend study.
CANTEEN ENVIRONMENT - This refers to the physical layout and facilities of the school canteen,
including seating, foodservice lines, available food options, cleanliness, and overall ambiance.
Overcrowding - Overcrowding refers to the number of people occupying a given space
surpassing its capacity to accommodate them comfortably, resulting in a congested and
cramped situation.
COMFORT-Comfort refers to conditions in the school cafeteria that make students feel relaxed,
safe, and free from stress during meals. It will be measured through student surveys on seating,
space, noise, and overall cafeteria atmosphere, analyzing their impact during peak and non-
peak hours.
PROPOSED RESEARCH METHOD
Research design
This study will use a descriptive research design, utilizing surveys and observations to describe
the current conditions of the Southville IV National High School canteen and their effects on
students during recess.
Participants
All students of Southville IV National High School.
Data gathering instrument
This study will use surveys and observations as data gathering instruments to asses students’
comfort and the conditions of the Southville IV National High School canteen during
Data gathering procedure
The researchers will first prepare the survey and observation checklist, and get permission from
the school. Surveys will be given go students from all grade levels, while observations will be
conducted during recess to record crowding, seating, and behavior. All are will then be
collected, organized and analyzed to understand the canteen conditions and their effects on
students.
REFERENCES
American Association of University Women. Hostile hallways: The AAUW survey on
sexual harassment in America's schools 1993 Washington, DC Harris/Scholastic
Research, Solari C. D. and Mare R. D. (2008).
"Housing crowding effects on children's wellbeing: National and longitudinal
comparisons", Alexander R and Curtis CM.
A critical review of strategies to reduce school violence. Social Work in Education
1995;17 (2) 73-82
Insufficient Medical Stocks and Their Effects on Student Health Care
Name of researchers:
Villanueva, Chelsey Angelica M.
Palma, Jude Manuel C.
Palomares, Regie A. Rempillio,
Grade and Section:
Grade 10 J-R FELIPE
School Year:
2025-2026
Name of adviser:
Sharmaine Diaz
Date of title defense:
January 16, 2026
INTRODUCTION
The availability of sufficient medical supplies is critical in promoting the health and safety of
students in schools. The school clinic is considered the first point of health care for students
who may fall ill or get Injured or face any medical condition in school. However, the challenge of
inadequate medical stocks in schools has increasingly become a matter of concern. The absence
of basic medical supplies, equipment, and first aid may result in a delay in accessing correct
treatment for students, thereby impairing the efficiency of health care services offered to
students in schools. Consequently, students may continue suffering from inconveniences and
poor health conditions due to lack of effective health services in schools, thereby making it
significant to study the role of sufficient medical supplies in schools for improved health care
services for students.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Earlier studies have shown the importance of adequate medical supplies in maintaining the
health and safety of students in schools. Research has shown that school clinics play a vital role
in providing immediate care yo students who experience illness, injuries, or other health
concerns during school hours. These studies indicate that the availability of basic medicines,
medical equipment, and first aid supplies helps prevent minor health issues from developing
into mode serious conditions.
Despite the findings of previous studies, the current situation in many schools remains a
concern. In Southville IV National High School, the school clinic serves as the primary health
care facility for students; however, the availability of medical supplies sometimes limited. The
lack of essential medicines first aid materials may result in delays in providing proper medical
attention to students, causing discomfort and possibility worsening of their health conditions.
The shortage of medical supplies in the school clinic may negatively affect students’ health,
academic performance, and attendance. When students do not receive immediate care, their
ability to participate in classroom activities may be affected, and in some cases, students may be
forced to miss classes due to untreated health concerns.
In view of the gap between the findings of previous studies and the current situation in
Southville IV National High School, this study aims to analyze the impact of the shortage of
medical supplies on the health of students. The results of this study may help school
administrators and health personnel improve medical services and ensure the availability of
adequate medical supplies in the school clinic.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
This study looks at how the availability of medical supplies in the school health clinic affects
students’ health, participation, and academic performance.
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE
The availability of medical Students’ health,
supplies in the school participation, and
health clinic academic performance
This study assumes that the shortage of medical supplies in school health clinics directly affects
the delivery of health care services to students. When clinics lack essential medicines,
equipment or first-aid materials students may experience worsened health conditions. In turn,
this can affect their participation in school activities, and academic performance. Addressing the
shortage of medical supplies is expected to improve health care provision, enhance student
well-being, and positively impact participationand performance.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
School health clinics are supposed to provide students with immediate care whenever they get
sick, injured, or have health concerns during school hours. They act as the first point of medical
help in the school. However, in our school, the clinic struggle because they don’t have enough
medicines, equipment, or other medical supplies. This shortage can make it harder for clinics to
give proper care and can sometimes make students’ health problems worse.
This study looks at how a lack of medical supplies affects the health care students receive in
school clinics. It aims to answer the following questions:
1. Which medical supplies and equipment are most often missing in school health clinics?
2. How does not having enough medical supplies affect the care students get?
3. What health problems do students face because of missing supplies?
SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Scope
Examines how missing medical supplies affect health care in school clinics.
Limitation
Limited to uncertain schools, time, and available data.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will benefit the following:
School administrator – by helping them identify and addresses shortages in medical supplies.
Health staff -by providing insights to improve health care services in the clinic.
Students-by ensuring better access to medical care and supporting their health and
participation in school activities.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
The following words are contextualize and localize to a better comprehend the study.
Medical supplies-items used in school clinics to provide health care, such as first-aid kits,
medicines, and equipment.
School clinic- a designated area in a school where students receive medical attention and basic
health services.
Students- learners enrolled in the school who may use the clinic services when needed.
PROPOSED RESEARCH METHOD
Research design
This study will use descriptive research design to gather information.
Participants
Selected school administrators, health staff, and students.
Data gathering instrument.
Data will be collected through surveys and interviews.
Data gathering procedure
The researchers will survey and interview selected school staff and students then analyze the
responses.
REFERENCES
Peltz, J. S., Rogan, L., & Forte, G. J. (2016). High school students’ self-reported use of
school clinics and nurses. Journal of School Health.
Wilson, A. M., Ravi, P., Pargas, N. T., et al. (2023). School health systems under strain:
COVID-19 experiences & burnout among school health staff in Pima County, Arizona.
BMC Public Health, 23, 1626.
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI). (2025). Exploring
availability, utilization and quality of school health services among primary schools in
Kebbi State, [Link], 12(15), 1531-1548