Assessment of Preparedness for the COVID-19 Pandemic in Schools in Al-Rusafa District, Baghdad, Iraq, 2021

Abstract

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

Objective: Researchers assessed COVID-19 preparedness levels in schools in Al-Rusafa district, Baghdad, to prepare schools for reopening.

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

Results: The assessment was completed in 40 schools—20 (50%) primary schools, 10 (25%) high schools, 6 (15%) intermediate schools, and 4 (10%) secondary schools. Overall, the assessment covered 1162 teachers and 16,776 students. The highest infection rate, according to school category, was among primary school staff (6.14%). Moreover, 92% (n=39) of the schools did not have a contact number for a nearby ambulance, and early detection system was weak in 60% (n=24) of the schools, which reflected low levels of school participation in preparing against the COVID-19 pandemic. Referral system for any sick person to an appropriate health facility was not present or was disabled in 63% (n=25) of the schools.

Conclusions: The assessment concluded that none of the schools had a robust screening system to record students infected with COVID-19. The study discusses several actions and requirements that should be reviewed and addressed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the schools and the community.

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