CompletedNot Applicable

12 Steps of a Modified Handwashing Program on Health Outcomes and School Absenteeism

Iraq802 participantsStarted 2024-10-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess whether providing hand and respiratory hygiene interventions in primary school children reduces the incidence rate of absence episodes due to illness in children during an academic year. The main questions it aims to answer are: This study aims to assess whether providing hand and respiratory hygiene interventions in primary school children reduces the incidence rate of absence episodes due to illness in children during an academic year. 1. Describe socio-demographic characteristics of participants (school children). 2. Assess the impact of hand and respiratory hygiene intervention on the incidence rate of respiratory illnesses. 3. Assess the impact of hand and respiratory hygiene intervention on the incidence rate of gastrointestinal illnesses. 4. Assess the impact of hand and respiratory hygiene intervention on the length of illness absence episodes. 5. Determine the factors associated with the increased or reduced impact of hand and respiratory hygiene intervention on school absenteeism.

Who can participate

Age range9 Years – 13 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * The study population comprised 802 students from twelve randomly selected public primary schools in Erbil, Iraq. Eligible participants were children enrolled in grades four to six (aged 9-13 years) attending public schools within Erbil city center. All students in the selected schools were invited to participate. Written informed consent was obtained from parents or guardians, and verbal agreement was provided by the children prior to enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria included students attending private, evening, or special schools (e.g., for children with disabilities), as well as those with chronic medical conditions likely to influence school attendance. Bilingual schools (English-Arabic) were excluded to maintain comparability in the educational environment.

What they're measuring

Assess the impact of hand and respiratory hygiene on the incidence rate of respiratory illnesses and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Timeframe: 5 months (Measured at baseline and at the conclusion of the study).

School Absenteeism Due to Illness

Timeframe: 5 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07467902

SponsorHawler Medical University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-05-15