Introduction: Pandemic influenza has always been a common problem of human societies. Preparedness for dealing with massive economic and social crisis that simultaneously causes a worldwide involve-ment requires a readiness and on-time response. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of preparedness of schools and universities against pandemic influenza in Ilam (western Iran).
Materials & Methods: This cross sectional study was designed and developed by the researchers to determine the level of prep-aredness of schools and universities against pandemic influenza H1N1.In this study, plan documents for dealing with H1N1 flu were surveyed by using a modified version of CDC and WHO check lists.
Findings: The mean preparedness score of
schools was based on the CDC and WHO checklists respectively, 78/9 (±11/9) and 73/4 (±9/6), and for the universities 67/42 (±13/9) and 49/44 (±16/1). In general, we found that the schools preparedness was “high“but preparedness of the universities was”low”. There was a significant statistical difference among the preparedness levels of the elementary, guidance, and high schools, (p=0 /04).
Discussion & Conclusion: Despite the good level of schools, the universities prepared-ness level was "low" and the major problem was accounted for education and planning to deal with pandemic flu.
Javaheri M, Holakouei K, Delpishe A, Sayemiri K, Mohammadi Y. How Prepared Are Schools And Universities of Ilam Against Pandemic Influenza H1N1. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2012; 20 (1) :35-41 URL: http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-622-en.html