Evaluation of school environmental health and safety indicators of public and private schools in Tikrit City

Classroom conditions and furniture

Abstract

Background: The school is a fundamental institution where intellectual knowledge, manual and behavioral skills, social connection, and the character of future generations have formed. Therefore identifying, managing, and preventing the adverse effects of environmental factors in schools impact the health of the present and future communities they are in. Subject, material, and method: This is a descriptive (cross-sectional) study done in Iraq, Salah Al-Deen Governorate, Tikrit City from the 17^th of October, 2022 to the end of May 2023. The study sample was 30 schools (20 public and 10 private) out of 279 schools (252 public and 27 private), including 15 primary schools (five private and ten public) and 15 secondary schools (five private and ten public). A well-designed questionnaire was used to collect information about environmental health and safety indicators. Data was collected by researcher through direct observation and interviews with school manager or assistant in each school after pilot study. Result: The study found that proper school location away from hazards and proper area-to-student ratio in 16(53.3%) of schools. Proper schoolyards and sustainable gardens both meet standards in 14(46.7%) of schools. Suitable class size, ventilation, and lighting with class infrastructures in 19(63.3%) schools. Conclusion: The study revealed that 19(63.3%) schools in Tikrit City did not meet the health and safety standards regarding school classes and furniture while more than half of the schools 16(53.3%) were fully meeting the standards regarding school location and area. The schoolyard and garden were fully meeting the standards in 14 (46.7%) school.