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 range

9 Years – 13 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

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.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

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

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