Assessment of Science Teachers' Awareness towards Communicable Diseases Control in Baghdad City Primary Schools

Abstract

Objective: To assess of Science Teachers' Awareness towards Communicable Diseases Control in Baghdad City
Primary Schools
Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted, included (100) primary school, (50) in Al-Rassafa sector, and
(50) in Al-Karkh sector, from March 5th 2012 to March 15th 2013, to assess of science teachers' awareness
towards communicable diseases control. A cluster sample of (100) Science teachers (males and females) were
selected, as one teacher from each school. A questionnaire format was used for data collection. The validity of
questionnaire was estimated through a penal of experts related to the field of study, and its reliability was
estimated through a pilot study conducted in (20) schools (excluded from the original sample) which included (20)
teachers from April 8th 2012 to April 14th 2012. Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive and
inferential statistical analysis.
Results: The results of the study indicated that (78%) of sample were female, and (39%) of them their ages were
between (40-49) years old, (65%) of them were married, while (21%) of them were single, and (50%) of them were
institute graduates. Also the study indicated that (26%) of teachers had (15–19) years of employment in teaching
sector. Furthermore, (58 %) of sample had no opportunity to be involved in training courses concerning
communicable diseases control. The results of this study indicate that, teachers' awareness was poor (in adequate
awareness) towards communicable diseases control, immunity and immunization, and also concerning health
problems in school.
Recommendations: The study recommends that there is a need for cooperation between the Ministry of Health
and the Ministry of Education to prepare a textbook for primary schools students about the nature of the
communicable diseases and how to control them with adequate explanation of the most important diseases in
school provided with photos and illustrations, and emphasis on continuous sessions concerning communicable
diseases control for teachers in all primary schools