[version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]
No competing interests were disclosed.
Almost every country’s higher education institution closed in the first half of 2020 because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. University officials have had to decide if and how to safely reintroduce students, workers, and professors to campus.
The pandemic has revolutionized the way people throughout the world study and teach. Online tools such as webinars, enabled by WebEx and its counterparts, are currently being used to replace the traditional face-to-face method of tuition.
Technology has pervaded every aspect of our lives, and education is no different. The latent purpose of maintaining social distancing is likely to be one of the primary reasons for students enrolling in online courses during the pandemic era.
The World Health Organization identified a number of basic measures which were undertaken up to Sep 2021 that must be adopted in the effort to control and contain the virus. The procedures involved areas such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, surface cleaning, social distancing and recommendations around large gatherings.
The pandemic, with its impact on morbidity and mortality rates, has affected the lives of people all over the world. As such, understandings of human behaviour and an ongoing assessment of knowledge, are crucial in the overall attempt to contain it.
Fear, worry, and tension are all natural reactions to perceived or actual risks, uncertainty, and the unknown. People’s terror in the face of the pandemic is thus understandable.
In the field of nursing, studies indicate that nurses face issues regarding management, the work environment, family cross-infection, the risk of self-infection, assault, emotional & physical energy drains, and psychological stress. Providing them with the training to work in isolation units is essential, keeping in mind that they may suffer from psychological exhaustion.
The rapid spread of the pandemic has caused deep concern among healthcare professionals worldwide. The most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 outbreak should be available to all healthcare professionals.
The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning COVID-19 will determine a society’s willingness to accept behavioral change initiatives introduced by health authorities.
The safety of the students and staff is a top priority at Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq.
This article focuses on the efficacy of the Covid-19 prevention and control measures at the university, through a study looking at the students’ thoughts. Social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns, and medical care are just a few of the topics explored. In this way, the study seeks to provide an insight into pandemic response strategies in Iraqi higher education – with a view to enabling improvements where applicable.
A total of 182 health and medical technology students from the X-ray section of Al-Zahraa University for Women took part in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was designed and then distributed to the students through a Google classroom. These classroom sites serve as official communication routes between academic schools and students. The study questionnaire received a 100% response rate, and the data were collected and analyzed.
The research and data collection took place between January and September 2021. An academic class representative was active in disseminating the questionnaire link to the students. The responses were retrieved as Excel files from the electronic form of a questionnaire (a Google form) and imported into S.P.S.S. version 23 for analysis. The questionnaire related to COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women and employed a multiple choice format. The questionnaire was comprised of three tables, with a total of 18 questions. The demographic data obtained during the study included the age, marital status and current living situation of the students.
Prior to the research, ethical approval (permit no. HREC 39) was granted by the independent ethics committee of Al-Zahraa University for Women in Karbala, Iraq.
Verbal consent to participate was obtained from each student after informing them in writing about the study’s objectives, the time involved, the security of their answers, their freedom to participate or withdraw, and the future benefits to their community.
| Demographic characteristics | N | % |
|---|---|---|
| Age (yrs) | ||
| Below 19 yrs | 15 | 8.7 |
| 19 yrs | 51 | 28.02 |
| 20 yrs | 53 | 29.1 |
| 2I yrs | 31 | 17.03 |
| Above 21 yrs | 32 | 17.58 |
| Marital status | ||
| Married | 33 | 18.13 |
| Unmarried | 145 | 79.67 |
| Separated | 4 | 2.19 |
| Widow | 0 | 0 |
| Residency | ||
| Karbala | 151 | 82.9 |
| Another governorate | 31 | 17.1 |
| Health-related characteristics | N | % |
|---|---|---|
| Family member ever diagnosed with COVID-19? | ||
| Yes | 105 | 57.6 |
| No | 77 | 42.3 |
| Any previous vaccine refusal history? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 26.3 |
| No | 134 | 73.6 |
| Did you accept having the COVID-19 vaccine? | ||
| Accept | 77 | 42.3 |
| Refuse | 105 | 57.6 |
| Has a family member died from Covid-19? | ||
| Yes | 21 | 11.5 |
| No | 161 | 88.4 |
As
| COVID-19 prevention in the eyes of the students | Yes | % | No | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Do you think that preventive measures are applied at the university? | 62 | 34.0 | 120 | 65.9 |
| Do you think that wearing masks is ensured at the university? | 94 | 52 | 88 | 48.35 |
| Do you think that social distancing is enforced? | 21 | 11.5 | 161 | 88.4 |
| Does the university take the temperature of female students before they enter the site? | 60 | 32.9 | 122 | 67.0 |
| Are the teaching staff committed to preventive measures against COVID-19? | 158 | 86.8 | 24 | 13.1 |
| Does the university carry out sanitization before students enter the university? | 100 | 54.9 | 82 | 45.0 |
| Does the university isolate students with COVID-19? | 87 | 47.8 | 95 | 52.1 |
| Are soap and hand sanitizers available in the bathrooms of the university? | 98 | 53.8 | 84 | 46.1 |
| Do you think preventive measures against COVID-19 are taken in the university cafeteria? | 24 | 13.1 | 158 | 86.8 |
| Do you think that preventive measures against COVID-19 are applied on university transportation? | 66 | 36.2 | 116 | 63.7 |
| Are electric fans available in university classrooms? | 116 | 63.7 | 66 | 36.2 |
| Is the university conducting awareness campaigns to prevent COVID-19? | 119 | 65.3 | 63 | 34.6 |
| Does the university employ a COVID-19 vaccine or nasal swab before female students enter the university? | 20 | 10.9 | 162 | 89.0 |
| Do you support compulsory in-person attendance? | 72 | 39.56 | 110 | 60.43 |
Across the world, there was a migration to online learning because of school and university closures – an intense process for many institutions, students, instructors and parents, demanding expertise and speed to prevent losing instructional time.
The researcher could not locate similar studies in the Middle East and other countries because the online switch has led to a lack of academic studies about campus management of Covid-19 prevention procedures.
In this study, 62 (34%) of the students thought that preventive measures were applied at the university.
In Shi
The responses did not show strict COVID-19 prevention measures at Al-Zahraa University. 158 (86.8%) of the participants believed the teaching staff were committed to such measures – however, 158 (86.8%) did not think they were applied in the university cafeteria, and 88 (48.35%) did not think mask-wearing was enforced. 82 (45%) believed that the university management did not sanitize the campus before students arrived.
According to Freeman
Our study had several strengths. A 100% response rate was received on the survey for the study. Our study was cost-effective. Online questionnaires are a great approach for collecting a lot of data from a body of students while avoiding the possibility of contracting COVID-19.
Our study also had some limitations. The first limitation is the small number of participants. The second is that for practical reasons the study did not include other universities in Iraq.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University’s execution of prevention and control measures was found to be weak. The safety of students and employees is a significant priority at the university. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness with which social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns and medical care are implemented.
Zenodo: Underlying data for ‘In the eyes of the students, Covid-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University’,
This project contains the following underlying data:
Spreadsheet: In the eyes of the students, COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University.xlsx Questionnaire.pdf
Data are available under the terms of the
I thank all the students who contributed to this study.
Please proofread the manuscript. Introduction: Please elaborate on the COVID-19 prevention measures at other universities. Introduction: Please include more points on preventive measures in universities. Introduction: Please mention the problem of the statement clearly. Introduction: Please write the objective of the study more clearly. Methods: How do you validate the questionnaire? Methods: May I please know whether the questionnaire was prepared by yourself or modified from the previous study? Methods: Have you done a pre-test? Methods: In which language you prepared the questionnaire? What type of statistical test you carried out? eg. Chi-square, independent-t-test, etc? Discussion: Lack of previous studies. Discussion: Please compare your results with other studies. Conclusion: Not clear
Is the work clearly and accurately presented and does it cite the current literature?
Partly
If applicable, is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate?
Partly
Are all the source data underlying the results available to ensure full reproducibility?
Partly
Is the study design appropriate and is the work technically sound?
Partly
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results?
Yes
Are sufficient details of methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others?
Partly
Reviewer Expertise:
Virology, Statistics
I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard, however I have significant reservations, as outlined above.
Dear reviewer
Thank you so much for your valuable notes . I will work on it and let you know soon.
Best,
Hassan
Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for your valuable notes. I had corrected the article per your request. If you have any other notes, I will be more than happy to do it.
All the best,
Hassan
As for proofread the manuscript :
In the first half of 2020, nearly all higher education institutions worldwide were compelled to close in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. University officials faced the critical task of determining the safest methods to reintroduce students, faculty, and staff to campus. Effective planning for educational interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a comprehensive awareness of the health risks associated with the virus, along with considerations of knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behaviors. The pandemic has fundamentally altered the landscape of education, prompting a global shift toward remote learning. Online tools, such as webinars facilitated by platforms such as WebEx and similar technologies, have supplanted traditional face-to-face instruction. The increasing integration of technology into various facets of life extends to the educational sphere. The necessity for social distancing has served as a primary motivator for students opting to enroll in online courses throughout the pandemic.
As of September 2021, the World Health Organization identified several essential measures that must be adopted to effectively control and contain the virus. These measures encompass hand hygiene, cough etiquette, surface disinfection, social distancing, and guidelines regarding large gatherings. The pandemic's repercussions on morbidity and mortality rates have had a profound global impact, necessitating a detailed understanding of human behavior and ongoing assessments of knowledge as integral components of virus containment efforts. Natural reactions such as fear, anxiety, and stress are common responses to perceived risks and uncertainties. Consequently, public apprehension during the pandemic is an understandable phenomenon.
Within the nursing profession, studies indicate that nurses encounter a myriad of challenges, including management difficulties, adverse work environments, the risk of cross-infection within families, self-infection concerns, emotional and physical strain, and psychological stress. It is essential to provide these professionals with adequate training to work effectively in isolation units, particularly in light of their potential for psychological exhaustion.
Immunization programs and coverage play a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals of all ages from severe and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Offering protection against such diseases is among the most significant benefits that a nation can provide its citizens. Vaccination stands as an essential preventive measure that contributes to reducing mortality and morbidity rates.
The rapid proliferation of the pandemic has generated substantial concern among healthcare professionals globally. It is imperative that timely and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak is made readily available to all healthcare practitioners.
The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning COVID-19 significantly influence society’s readiness to accept behavioral change initiatives introduced by health authorities. The implementation of lockdown measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in atypical consumer behaviors, which have impacted the operational capacity of large corporations. Noteworthy instances of such behaviors include panic buying of essential items such as food and toilet paper.
At Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq, the safety of students and staff remains the highest priority. This article investigates the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention and control measures within the university, utilizing a study focused on student perspectives. The research explores various topics, including social distancing practices, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns, and medical support. The objective of the study is to provide valuable insights into pandemic response strategies in Iraqi higher education and to identify opportunities for enhancement.
A total of 182 health and medical technology students from the X-ray section at Al-Zahraa University for Women participated in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the students via Google Classroom, which serves as the official communication channel between academic institutions and students. The study achieved a 100% response rate, and the data were collected and analyzed. Data collection took place from January to September 2021. An academic class representative played a key role in disseminating the link to the questionnaire among the students. Responses were retrieved as Excel files from the electronic questionnaire (a Google Form) and were imported into SPSS version 23 for analysis. This study utilized rates and percentages to evaluate and compare the findings with those of similar studies. The questionnaire focused on COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women and consisted of multiple-choice questions. It was developed based on previous studies and a review of various articles and research. The questionnaire included three sections, with a total of 18 questions. It was made available in both Arabic and English. The demographic data collected during the study included students’ age, marital status, and current living situation.
Before the research, ethical approval (permit no. HREC 39) was granted by the independent ethics committee of Al-Zahraa University for Women in Karbala, Iraq.
Verbal consent to participate was obtained from each student after informing them in writing about the study’s objectives, the time involved, the security of their answers, their freedom to participate or withdraw, and the future benefits to their community.
The global shift to online learning was prompted by the closures of schools and universities, creating a challenging situation for institutions, students, instructors, and parents. This transition required expertise and quick implementation to minimize instructional time loss. The results of this experience may inform the development of a COVID-19 preventive program aimed at enhancing essential university safety measures and reducing the virus's spread. However, the researcher struggled to find similar studies in the Middle East and other regions, mainly because the transition to online education has resulted in a lack of academic investigations into campus management concerning COVID-19 prevention practices.
In this study, 62 students (34%) thought preventive measures were being effectively implemented at their university. In contrast, Albaqawi's study found that only 45 students (3.7%) knew someone in their family with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
Shi et al.'s study reported an average overall implementation rate of COVID-19 preventive and control measures at 80.0% in Chinese nursing homes, although this is a different context than educational institutions, and is significantly higher than what was observed in our research.
The findings indicate that strict COVID-19 prevention measures were lacking at Al-Zahraa University. While 158 participants (86.8%) believed that the teaching staff were committed to safety measures, the same number disagreed that these measures were enforced in the university cafeteria. Additionally, 88 participants (48.35%) felt that mask-wearing was not adequately enforced, and 82 participants (45%) believed that the university management failed to sanitize the campus before students' arrival.
In contrast, Freeman et al. found that most large educational institutions in the US implemented masking (100%) and physical distancing rules (99%). Class de-densification was also a strategy employed by 61% of these institutions. These findings starkly contrast with those of our research, highlighting the need for university administrations to adhere to COVID-19 preventive guidelines.
Our study had several strengths. A 100% response rate was received on the survey for the study. Our study was cost-effective. Online questionnaires are a great approach for collecting a lot of data from a body of students while avoiding the possibility of contracting COVID-19.
Our study also had some limitations. The first limitation is the small number of participants. The second is that for practical reasons the study did not include other universities in Iraq.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University’s execution of prevention and control measures was found to be weak. The safety of students and employees is a significant priority at the university. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness with which social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns and medical care are implemented.