Evaluation of some physical hazards which may affect health in primary schools

Abstract

Aim: This study was performed with the objective to determine the levels of some physical hazards in primary schools. Material and Methods:This study is a cross-sectional field survey. In this study which was conducted in 31 primary schools selected by appropriate sampling from the district of Keçiören of the province of Ankara, measurements related with temperature, light, electromagnetic field (EMF) and noise levels were done at hundreds of points. Approval was obtained from Gülhane Military Medical Faculty Ethics Committee (2007/97).Results: Only 47.1% of the classes had a temperature value within the recommended limits (20-21ºC). It was found that the illumination levels in 96.8% of the schools were above the standard values. However, the levels of illumination were found to be statistically significantly decreased towards the door and the back line (p<0.05). It was found that electromagnetic field levels were significantly higher in the schools who had a source of electromagnetic field nearby compared to the schools who did not have such a source nearby (p<0.001). It was found that the electromagnetic field levels in computer classes were statistically significantly higher compared to the other classes (p<0.001). Noise levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in classes which had 35 and more students (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in schools near intensive vehicle traffic in terms of noise levels (62.8±5.0 (n=72), 62.0±6.4 (n=79), respectively, p>0.05). Conclusions:It was found that primary schools in the region of Keçiören had aspects which had to be improved in terms of building age, building location, brightness, electromagnetic field and noise levels. School health programs directed to improve negative enviromental factors should be developed. (Türk Ped Arş 2014; 49: 217-23)

Okulların Çevresel Koşullarının Öğrenci Başarısı ve Devamsızlığı Üzerine Etkisi

“…The total number of classrooms in schools is 624, and in our study, measurements were made in 203 (32.5%) classrooms. The classroom selection criteria in schools has been made by investigating two classrooms from the right and left sides of each hall from each floor, starting from the top floor, for schools that have a single building; and for schools that have two separate buildings, by investigating one classroom that is closest to the end of the staircases from each hall in each floor, starting from the top floor, separately from each building (13). The study was obtained from the Kocaeli University Clinical Research Ethics Committee with the decision number 4/18, dated 27.11.2015.…”

“…Studies conducted in Turkey have shown that schools have significant deficiencies in compliance with environmental health standards (13)(14)(15)(16). In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of physical environment characteristics of schools on students' success and absenteeism.…”

School Health Services Practices in Primary Schools as Reported by Teachers in Wassit and The-Qar Governorate in Iraq

“…Interestingly, it plays an important role in preventive and curative management [1], The main component of the School Health programme is health service which has been continuing as an integral part of it [9]. Which term refers to services for students and staff of the school to the promotion of health and development, prevention, early detection of, and intervention for physical, psychological, and social factors affecting young children and all workers in school [10], that will reflect positively on academic performance [11]. It has been involved in a wide range of activities to prevent and control infectious diseases that affect young children, and also contributed to activities related to mental health, supervision of health, and record keeping [12].…”