Comparison of environmental health in public primary schools in different districts of Isfahan, 2007-2008

Students spend at least 20% of their time in schools. Training and development of their personality depends on appropriate educational methods, physical ideal space, and favorable mental environment. Students are considered as the human main resources of any society and dealing with their health and promoting educational environment health is a sort of investment for future. In this descriptive-analytic study, 77 schools in Isfahan were selected by regular randomized method. Data was collected using environment health inquiry form for school environments by public health specialists during 3 months. The form was consisted of two parts: the first part included common school specifications and the second part involved items dealing with desirability various parts of schools. The specialist reports the environment health status of the schools trough evaluating the schools and interviewing with the principals. Data was performed for different districts of Isfahan city. 76.6% of schools and 80.5% of classrooms were in desired conditions and complied with the standards. The standards for building and classrooms, there was no significant difference between various districts. Hygiene services (water closets and basin) and drinking water were at desired level and there was no significant difference between various districts in this regard, however the district 1 was in undesired condition. Regarding gathering and disposing of rubbish and trashes, 79% of schools were in desired condition and 49% of them had hygienic tuck-shops according to standards, but there was no significant difference between various districts. It seems that the status of environment health is at desired level in public primary schools of Isfahan city, but the health of tuck-shops should be improved in schools. The authorities of Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health should pay more attention and interest in this regard and dedicate proper budgets to solve health problems.