Assessment of Respiratory Infection Prevention and Control Practices Adopted in Governmental Preparatory Schools in Alexandria

Background: Respiratory infection is a significant global public health problem. It causes considerable morbidity and mortality among all age groups especially in developing countries Aim: To assess respiratory infection prevention and control practices adopted in governmental preparatory schools in Alexandria Settings: The study was carried out at sixteen governmental preparatory schools chosen by multistage stratified random sampling technique. These schools were affiliated to Ministry of Education in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. Research design: A descriptive research design was used to conduct this study Subjects: The study subjects were 384 preparatory students who selected randomly from the previous mentioned settings. Tools: Two tools were used. Tool one: Students Structured Interview Schedule that includes part one: Socio-demographic characteristics of the students and their family, part two: Students’ Health and Educational Profile, part three: Students' awareness about Respiratory Infection Prevention and Control Practices, part four: Students' Practices about Respiratory Infection Prevention and Control. Tool two: School Physical Environment Observation Checklist. Results: The study showed that the majority (86.5%) of preparatory student's had fair level of practice while the rest (13.5%) had poor one. Regarding level of awareness, more than half (60.8%) of the students had a fair level as compared to 30.2% who had poor level. There was a significant relation between student’ place of residence as well as their academic achievement and their level of practice (P= 0. 0.008 and P= 0.000 respectively). More than two thirds (68.8%) of the observed school environment had a poor supportive level for prevention and control practices of respiratory infection Conclusion: Based upon the study findings it could be concluded that, student's practice level about infection prevention and control was only fair level and needs more intimate supervision for some poor behaviors done at school. Recommendations: An intensive program should be planned periodically, executed, and monitored to improve awareness, and practice of the school students for prevention of respiratory infection. The school health committee/authority should seize every opportunity to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections by promoting healthy/safe school environment.