Risk Factors Associated With COVID-19 Infection Among Schools’ Children in Basrah City / Iraq

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has been the most important global issue since December 2019. has led to overloading of health systems all over the world. Objective: The study aims to identify the risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection among schools’ children in Basrah city / Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by using a pre-tested applied structured questionnaire among 1980 children. This sample was distributed throughout fifteen schools were selected using simple random sampling techniques.  Finally, a simple random sampling method was used to select study participants. conducted from March1st, 2022, to May 1st, 2024. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data collection and analysis process. Results: The findings showed the distribution of participants according to Corona infection: The children included in the study suffered from Corona infection at a rate of 27.2%. 60.3% do not have Corona infection, and 12.5% answered “possibly infection.” The children at risk of contracting Corona infection were under 18 years of age and had middle school as an educational level respectively, 81.9% and 51.8%. They suffered from chronic diseases and also suffered from an allergy to the vaccine: 34.8% and 27%. They received the Corona vaccine type Pfizer, respectively, 37.9% and 36.3%. They had symptoms similar to the disease when taking the vaccine, 22.6%, and they used sterilization to sterilize hands, 42.8%. Also, 31.1% of them always avoid touching their noses and eyes with unwashed hands, 27.8% always maintain a social distance of no less than two meters, and 45.8% avoid shaking hands, hugging, and kissing during greetings. Conclusions: This study concludes that among the risk factors studied, there was a relationship between these factors and the Corona infection in children.