JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Following the international spread of novel coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) or COVID-19 pandemic, the Iraqi government took several steps to prevent community transmission, including indefinite closure of schools as a measure to safeguard schoolchildren from COVID-19. The key rationales behind this decision were the insufficient preparedness level within schools to prevent infection and lack of appropriate vaccines for children.

Objective:

1.To assess current preparations level for the COVID-19 pandemic in schools in Iraq Baghdad Rusafa DOH 2021 2.To identify the scope of strengthening COVID-19 preparedness among schools in Iraq Baghdad Rusafa DOH 2021 3.To support school health teams in implementing priority interventions for meeting WHO recommended preparations before school reopening in Iraq Baghdad Rusafa DOH 2021.

Methods:

An observational study design was conducted to assess schools. Stratified sampling was performed to make the sample more representative; we did stratify the schools into three categories based on sex, level (primary, secondary) and administration (public, private). The study population comprised of all students and teachers in the selected sample. The assessment was done retrospectively for 3 months from 31/5/2021. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using Microsoft Excel; tables and pie charts were used to display results.

Results:

Assessment was completed in 40 schools: 20 primary schools (50%),10 high schools (25%), 6 intermediate schools (15%), and 4 secondary schools (10%). Overall, the assessment covered 1162 teachers and 16,776 students. highest infection rate, according to school category, was among primary school staff (6.14%). while 92% of the schools don't have a contact number for a nearby ambulance ,early detection system is weak in 60% of schools reflected low-level school participation in preparing schools against the COVID-19 pandemic. Referral system for any sick person to an appropriate health facility was not present or disabled in 63% of schools

Conclusions:

The assessment concluded that all schools did not have a robust screening system to record students infected with COVID-19.The research discusses several actions and requirements that should be reviewed and put in place to prevent COVID-19 in schools and into the community.