The effect of grade on compliance using nonpharmaceutical interventions to reduce influenza in an urban elementary school setting.

摘要: Objectives The Pittsburgh Influenza Prevention Project (PIPP) has previously shown that school-aged children in grades K-5 can learn hygiene-based, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and persist these behaviors over the duration of an influenza season. purpose this study was to determine whether age (as estimated by grade) plays any role ability. Methods is a prospective, controlled, randomized trial effectiveness suite NPIs 10 elementary schools. project measured adoption students through surveys intervention homeroom teachers before, during, after season control home-room Results There were large, statistically significant improvements persistence time across all grade levels, students' concern about their daily practice promote health behaviors-"wash or sanitize your hands often" "cover coughs sneezes." Nonpharmaceutical characterized as extinguishing unhealthy behaviors, such "avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth" "home where you stay when are sick," showed no reliable improvement. Conclusions provides evidence children, grades, understand implement protective maintain activities throughout beyond. Improvements most prominent teaching engage health-promoting behaviors. Habitual (unconscious touching) changing family (staying home) seem less susceptible intervention. These results will be useful public policy makers care practitioners considering methods infectious disease prevention school-based settings.