COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University in the eyes of the students: A cross-sectional study from Iraq

Hassan Hadi Al kazzaz

doi:10.12688/f1000research.124945.1

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Research Article

COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University in the eyes of the students: A cross-sectional study from Iraq

[version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]

Hassan Hadi Al kazzaz

PUBLISHED 17 May 2023

Author details Author details

Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

Hassan Hadi Al kazzaz
Roles: Formal Analysis

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Abstract

Background: For institutions in Iraq, the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a problem. In terms of the dissemination of COVID-19, Al Zahraa University is particularly risky due to the presence of susceptible, high-risk populations there.
Methods: A total of 182 undergraduates at the Health and Medical Technology College took part. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was done to evaluate the COVID-19 preventative measures for students at Al-Zahra University for Women. The study questionnaire received a 100% response rate, and the data were collected and analyzed.
Results: It showed that of the participants, 53 (29.1%) were 20 years old, and 151 (82.9%) lived in Karbala. 120 (65.9%) students did not think the university applied preventive measures against COVID-19, and 94 (52%) thought the university ensured mask-wearing on campus. Regarding social distancing, 161 (88.4%) believed it was not enforced. 158 (86.8%) and 116 (63.7%) of the participants, respectively, thought that there were no preventive measures against Covid-19 in the campus cafeteria or no preventive measures when using university transportation.
Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University's execution of prevention and control measures were weak. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness of its preventive measures. The inadequacy of COVID-19 safety measures highlights the need for national guidance.

Keywords

COVID19, vaccine, prevention efforts, students, Al-Zahraa University, Iraq

Corresponding author: Hassan Hadi Al kazzaz

Competing interests: No competing interests were disclosed.

Grant information: The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work.

Copyright: © 2023 Al kazzaz HH. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

How to cite: Al kazzaz HH. COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University in the eyes of the students: A cross-sectional study from Iraq [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2023, 12:509 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.124945.1) First published: 17 May 2023, 12:509 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.124945.1) Latest published: 31 Aug 2023, 12:509 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.124945.2)

Introduction

Almost every country’s higher education institution closed in the first half of 2020 because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. University officials have had to decide if and how to safely reintroduce students, workers, and professors to campus.¹

The pandemic has revolutionized the way people throughout the world study and teach. Online tools such as webinars, enabled by WebEx and its counterparts, are currently being used to replace the traditional face-to-face method of tuition.²

Technology has pervaded every aspect of our lives, and education is no different. The latent purpose of maintaining social distancing is likely to be one of the primary reasons for students enrolling in online courses during the pandemic era.³

The World Health Organization identified a number of basic measures which were undertaken up to Sep 2021 that must be adopted in the effort to control and contain the virus. The procedures involved areas such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, surface cleaning, social distancing and recommendations around large gatherings.⁴

The pandemic, with its impact on morbidity and mortality rates, has affected the lives of people all over the world. As such, understandings of human behaviour and an ongoing assessment of knowledge, are crucial in the overall attempt to contain it.⁵

Fear, worry, and tension are all natural reactions to perceived or actual risks, uncertainty, and the unknown. People’s terror in the face of the pandemic is thus understandable.⁶

In the field of nursing, studies indicate that nurses face issues regarding management, the work environment, family cross-infection, the risk of self-infection, assault, emotional & physical energy drains, and psychological stress. Providing them with the training to work in isolation units is essential, keeping in mind that they may suffer from psychological exhaustion.⁷ Immunization programmes and coverage are critical for protecting people of all ages from the debilitating and potentially life-threatening impacts of infectious illnesses.⁸ Protection from infectious disease is one of the most valuable benefits any country can offer its citizens. Vaccination is a preventive method contributing to lower mortality and morbidity rates.⁹

The rapid spread of the pandemic has caused deep concern among healthcare professionals worldwide. The most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 outbreak should be available to all healthcare professionals.¹⁰

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning COVID-19 will determine a society’s willingness to accept behavioral change initiatives introduced by health authorities.¹¹ It has been noted that the imposition of lockdowns to help control the spread of COVID-19 resulted in unusual behaviour by some consumers, affecting the ability of large corporations to operate in the market.¹² Hoarding of food and toilet paper is one instance of unusual retail consumer behavior that was documented.

The safety of the students and staff is a top priority at Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq.

This article focuses on the efficacy of the Covid-19 prevention and control measures at the university, through a study looking at the students’ thoughts. Social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns, and medical care are just a few of the topics explored. In this way, the study seeks to provide an insight into pandemic response strategies in Iraqi higher education – with a view to enabling improvements where applicable.

Methods

A total of 182 health and medical technology students from the X-ray section of Al-Zahraa University for Women took part in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was designed and then distributed to the students through a Google classroom. These classroom sites serve as official communication routes between academic schools and students. The study questionnaire received a 100% response rate, and the data were collected and analyzed.

The research and data collection took place between January and September 2021. An academic class representative was active in disseminating the questionnaire link to the students. The responses were retrieved as Excel files from the electronic form of a questionnaire (a Google form) and imported into S.P.S.S. version 23 for analysis. The questionnaire related to COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women and employed a multiple choice format. The questionnaire was comprised of three tables, with a total of 18 questions. The demographic data obtained during the study included the age, marital status and current living situation of the students.

Ethics and consent

Prior to the research, ethical approval (permit no. HREC 39) was granted by the independent ethics committee of Al-Zahraa University for Women in Karbala, Iraq.

Verbal consent to participate was obtained from each student after informing them in writing about the study’s objectives, the time involved, the security of their answers, their freedom to participate or withdraw, and the future benefits to their community.

Results

Table 1 shows the participants’ demographic characteristics. 53 (29.1%) were 20 years old; 145 (79.67%) were unmarried, 33 (18.13%) were married, and 4 (2.19%) separated. The research shows that 151 (82.9%) were resident in Karbala, while 31 (17.1%) lived outside Karbala.

Table 1. The participants' demographic characteristics (N, %).

Demographic characteristics	N	%
Age (yrs)
Below 19 yrs	15	8.7
19 yrs	51	28.02
20 yrs	53	29.1
2I yrs	31	17.03
Above 21 yrs	32	17.58
Marital status
Married	33	18.13
Unmarried	145	79.67
Separated	4	2.19
Widow	0	0
Residency
Karbala	151	82.9
Another governorate	31	17.1

Table 2 shows that those who had had a family member diagnosed with COVID-19 numbered 105 (57.6%). It was found that 48 (26.3%) of the participants had a vaccine refusal history, while 105 (57.6%) had refused COVID-19 vaccination. 21 (11.5%) had a family member who had died because of COVID-19.

Table 2. Health-related characteristics (N, %).

Health-related characteristics	N	%
Family member ever diagnosed with COVID-19?
Yes	105	57.6
No	77	42.3
Any previous vaccine refusal history?
Yes	48	26.3
No	134	73.6
Did you accept having the COVID-19 vaccine?
Accept	77	42.3
Refuse	105	57.6
Has a family member died from Covid-19?
Yes	21	11.5
No	161	88.4

As Table 3 shows, 120 (65.9%) students did not think the university applied preventive measures against COVID-19. In addition, in this study, 94 (52%) believed that the university made students wear masks on campus. Regarding social distancing on campus, 161 (88.4%) indicated that it was not enforced. Checking students’ temperatures at the entrance to campus is a COVID-19 prevention measure, yet only 60 (32.9%) students thought it was accomplished. Most students, 158 (86.8%), felt that the teaching staff were committed to COVID-19 prevention. Did the university sanitize the environment before allowing students on site? The answer was Yes for 100 (54.9%) students. In addition, 87(47.8%) of the participants felt that the institution would ensure the isolation of suspected COVID-19 patients. Soap and hand sanitizers were thought to be available in the university’s bathrooms by 98 (53.8%) students. 158 (86.6%) and 116 (63.7%) of the participants, respectively, believed that there were no preventive measures against the coronavirus in the campus cafeteria or on university transportation. 66 (36.2%) students thought electric fans were not available in university classrooms. 63 (34.6%) indicated that the university did not conduct awareness campaigns to prevent COVID-19. Was a vaccine or a nasal swab required for female students to enter the university? 162 (89.0%) answered No. When asked if they accepted remote e-learning or preferred in-person attendance, 110 (60.43%) participants responded that they didn’t support in-person attendance.

Table 3. COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women in the eyes of the students.

COVID-19 prevention in the eyes of the students	Yes	%	No	%
Do you think that preventive measures are applied at the university?	62	34.0	120	65.9
Do you think that wearing masks is ensured at the university?	94	52	88	48.35
Do you think that social distancing is enforced?	21	11.5	161	88.4
Does the university take the temperature of female students before they enter the site?	60	32.9	122	67.0
Are the teaching staff committed to preventive measures against COVID-19?	158	86.8	24	13.1
Does the university carry out sanitization before students enter the university?	100	54.9	82	45.0
Does the university isolate students with COVID-19?	87	47.8	95	52.1
Are soap and hand sanitizers available in the bathrooms of the university?	98	53.8	84	46.1
Do you think preventive measures against COVID-19 are taken in the university cafeteria?	24	13.1	158	86.8
Do you think that preventive measures against COVID-19 are applied on university transportation?	66	36.2	116	63.7
Are electric fans available in university classrooms?	116	63.7	66	36.2
Is the university conducting awareness campaigns to prevent COVID-19?	119	65.3	63	34.6
Does the university employ a COVID-19 vaccine or nasal swab before female students enter the university?	20	10.9	162	89.0
Do you support compulsory in-person attendance?	72	39.56	110	60.43

Discussion

Across the world, there was a migration to online learning because of school and university closures – an intense process for many institutions, students, instructors and parents, demanding expertise and speed to prevent losing instructional time.¹³

The researcher could not locate similar studies in the Middle East and other countries because the online switch has led to a lack of academic studies about campus management of Covid-19 prevention procedures.

In this study, 62 (34%) of the students thought that preventive measures were applied at the university.

In Shi et al.’s study,¹⁴ the average overall implementation rate of COVID-19 preventive and control measures was 80.0% in Chinese nursing homes – although this figure is in a care home context rather than an educational institution, it is a lot more than in our research.

The responses did not show strict COVID-19 prevention measures at Al-Zahraa University. 158 (86.8%) of the participants believed the teaching staff were committed to such measures – however, 158 (86.8%) did not think they were applied in the university cafeteria, and 88 (48.35%) did not think mask-wearing was enforced. 82 (45%) believed that the university management did not sanitize the campus before students arrived.

According to Freeman et al.’s study,¹⁵ most large educational institutions in the US have implemented masking (n = 93) (100%) and physical distancing rules (99%). De-densification of classrooms was another preventive strategy used (61%). The findings of the Freeman study are unlike those of this research.

Strengths

Our study had several strengths. A 100% response rate was received on the survey for the study. Our study was cost-effective. Online questionnaires are a great approach for collecting a lot of data from a body of students while avoiding the possibility of contracting COVID-19.

Limitations

Our study also had some limitations. The first limitation is the small number of participants. The second is that for practical reasons the study did not include other universities in Iraq.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University’s execution of prevention and control measures was found to be weak. The safety of students and employees is a significant priority at the university. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness with which social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns and medical care are implemented.

Data availability

Underlying data

Zenodo: Underlying data for ‘In the eyes of the students, Covid-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University’, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6979137.¹⁶

This project contains the following underlying data:

‐ Spreadsheet: In the eyes of the students, COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University.xlsx
‐ Questionnaire.pdf

Data are available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0).

Acknowledgements

I thank all the students who contributed to this study.

References

1. Lopman B, Liu CY, Le Guillou MPHA, et al.: A model of COVID-19 transmission and control on university campuses. medRxiv. July 24, 2020. 2020.06.23.20138677. Publisher Full Text
2. Anis SNM, Ibrahim MA, Tahir LM, et al.: COVID-19 and campus experience: Survey on online learning and time spent during the movement control order (MCO) among Malaysian postgraduates. J Adv Res Dyn Control Syst. 2020; 12(7 Special Issue): 2929–2933. Publisher Full Text
3. Saxena C, Baber H, Kumar P: Examining the moderating effect of perceived benefits of maintaining social distance on e-learning quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.2020; 49(4): 532–554. Publisher Full Text
4. De Oliveira AC, Lucas TC, Iquiapaza RA: What has the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about preventive measures? Texto Context - Enferm. 2020; 29: 1–15. Publisher Full Text
5. Khasawneh AI, Humeidan AA, Alsulaiman JW, et al.: Medical students and COVID-19: Knowledge, attitudes, and precautionary measures. A descriptive study from Jordan. Front Public Health. 2020; 8: 253. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text | Free Full Text
6. Biradar V, Dalvi P: Impact of COVID 19 on child health: Parents’ perspective. Int J Nurs Educ Res. 2020; 8(4): 463–467. Publisher Full Text
7. Sharma A, Mohanan K: Obstacles faced by nurses working in a Covid-19 unit: A developing country viewpoint. Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 2020; 10(4): 459–462. Publisher Full Text
8. Saraswathi KN, Lissa J: A study to assess the knowledge on selected optional vaccine among mothers of under five children in selected immunization centers at Mysore with view to develop information booklet. Asian J Nur Edu Res. 4(4): 513–515.
9. Maheswari K: Knowledge of mothers regarding newer vaccines and vaccines for preventable diseases. Int J Adv Nurs Manag. 2015; 3(2): 107–108.
10. Fernandes MM, Thakur JR, Manisha M, et al.: A Study to assess knowledge regarding Covid-19 among nursing students. Asian J Nurs Educ Res. 11(1): 65–67. Publisher Full Text
11. Braver A, Khaire S: Knowledge, attitude and practices towards the Covid-19 outbreak in Maharashtra State - ProQuest. Accessed August 27, 2022. Reference Source
12. Shyam Prasad S, Praharaj P: Indian consumers’ behaviour during Covid-19: An exploratory study. Asian J Manag. 2021; 12(2): 215–220. Publisher Full Text
13. Varela DG, Fedynich A: Leading schools from a social distance: Surveying South Texas school district leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic. Natl Forum Educ Adm Superv J. 2020; 38(4): 1–10.
14. Shi M, Zhang F, He X, et al.: Are preventive measures adequate? An evaluation of the implementation of Covid-19 prevention and control measures in nursing homes in China. BMC Health Serv. Res. 2021; 21(1): 1–14. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text | Free Full Text
15. Freeman S, Nguyen T-V, Beliveau J, et al.: Covid-19 response strategies at large institutes of higher education in the United States: A landscape analysis, Fall 2020. J Adolesc Health. 2021; 68(4): 683–685. PubMed Abstract | Publisher Full Text
16. Al-Kazzaz HH: In the eyes of the students, COVID19 prevention efforts at Al Zahraa University.2022. Publisher Full Text

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Version 2

VERSION 2 PUBLISHED 17 May 2023

Author details Author details

Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

Hassan Hadi Al kazzaz
Roles: Formal Analysis

Competing interests

No competing interests were disclosed.

Grant information

The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work.

Article Versions (2)

version 2

Revised

Published: 31 Aug 2023, 12:509

https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.124945.2

version 1

Published: 17 May 2023, 12:509

https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.124945.1

© 2023 Al kazzaz HH. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Al kazzaz HH. COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University in the eyes of the students: A cross-sectional study from Iraq [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2023, 12:509 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.124945.1)

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Reviewer Report 25 Jul 2023

Asita Elengoe, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Approved with Reservations

https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.137194.r186189

Please proofread the manuscript.
Introduction: Please elaborate on the COVID-19 prevention measures at other universities.
Introduction: Please include more points on preventive measures in universities.

Please proofread the manuscript.
Introduction: Please elaborate on the COVID-19 prevention measures at other universities.
Introduction: Please include more points on preventive measures in universities.
Introduction: Please mention the problem of the statement clearly.
Introduction: Please write the objective of the study more clearly.
Methods: How do you validate the questionnaire?
Methods: May I please know whether the questionnaire was prepared by yourself or modified from the previous study?
Methods: Have you done a pre-test?
Methods: In which language you prepared the questionnaire?
What type of statistical test you carried out? eg. Chi-square, independent-t-test, etc?
Discussion: Lack of previous studies.
Discussion: Please compare your results with other studies.
Conclusion: Not clear

Is the work clearly and accurately presented and does it cite the current literature?

Partly
Is the study design appropriate and is the work technically sound?

Partly
Are sufficient details of methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others?

Partly
If applicable, is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate?

Partly
Are all the source data underlying the results available to ensure full reproducibility?

Partly
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results?

Yes

Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.

Reviewer Expertise: Virology, Statistics

I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard, however I have significant reservations, as outlined above.

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Author Response 01 Aug 2023

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

01 Aug 2023

Author Response

Dear reviewer
Thank you so much for your valuable notes . I will work on it and let you know soon.
Best,
Hassan
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
Dear reviewer
Thank you so much for your valuable notes . I will work on it and let you know soon.
Best,
Hassan
Dear reviewer
Thank you so much for your valuable notes . I will work on it and let you know soon.
Best,
Hassan
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close
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Author Response 31 Aug 2023

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

31 Aug 2023

Author Response

Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for your valuable notes. I had corrected the article per your request. If you have any other notes, I will be more than happy ... Continue reading Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for your valuable notes. I had corrected the article per your request. If you have any other notes, I will be more than happy to do it.
All the best,
Hassan
Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for your valuable notes. I had corrected the article per your request. If you have any other notes, I will be more than happy to do it.
All the best,
Hassan
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close
Report a concern
Author Response 09 Nov 2024

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

09 Nov 2024

Author Response

As for proofread the manuscript :
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant issue for institutions in Iraq. Al Zahraa University is particularly vulnerable due to the ... Continue reading As for proofread the manuscript :
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant issue for institutions in Iraq. Al Zahraa University is particularly vulnerable due to the presence of susceptible, high-risk populations.

Methods: A total of 182 undergraduate students from the Health and Medical Technology College participated in this study. We conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey to evaluate the COVID-19 preventive measures in place for students at Al Zahraa University for Women. The questionnaire achieved a 100% response rate, and the collected findings were analyzed.

Results: The findings indicated that 53 participants (29.1%) were 20 years old, with 151 students (82.9%) residing in Karbala. A significant number, 120 students (65.9%), believed the university did not implement adequate preventive measures against COVID-19. Furthermore, 94 participants (52%) felt the university enforced mask-wearing on campus. Regarding social distancing, 161 students (88.4%) thought it was not enforced effectively. Additionally, 158 participants (86.8%) and 116 participants (63.7%) believed that there were no preventive measures in the campus cafeteria or during university transportation, respectively.

Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University's execution of prevention and control measures were weak. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness of its preventive measures. The inadequacy of COVID-19 safety measures highlights the need for national guidance.

Introduction

In the first half of 2020, nearly all higher education institutions worldwide were compelled to close in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. University officials faced the critical task of determining the safest methods to reintroduce students, faculty, and staff to campus. Effective planning for educational interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a comprehensive awareness of the health risks associated with the virus, along with considerations of knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behaviors. The pandemic has fundamentally altered the landscape of education, prompting a global shift toward remote learning. Online tools, such as webinars facilitated by platforms such as WebEx and similar technologies, have supplanted traditional face-to-face instruction. The increasing integration of technology into various facets of life extends to the educational sphere. The necessity for social distancing has served as a primary motivator for students opting to enroll in online courses throughout the pandemic.

As of September 2021, the World Health Organization identified several essential measures that must be adopted to effectively control and contain the virus. These measures encompass hand hygiene, cough etiquette, surface disinfection, social distancing, and guidelines regarding large gatherings. The pandemic's repercussions on morbidity and mortality rates have had a profound global impact, necessitating a detailed understanding of human behavior and ongoing assessments of knowledge as integral components of virus containment efforts. Natural reactions such as fear, anxiety, and stress are common responses to perceived risks and uncertainties. Consequently, public apprehension during the pandemic is an understandable phenomenon.

Within the nursing profession, studies indicate that nurses encounter a myriad of challenges, including management difficulties, adverse work environments, the risk of cross-infection within families, self-infection concerns, emotional and physical strain, and psychological stress. It is essential to provide these professionals with adequate training to work effectively in isolation units, particularly in light of their potential for psychological exhaustion.

Immunization programs and coverage play a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals of all ages from severe and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Offering protection against such diseases is among the most significant benefits that a nation can provide its citizens. Vaccination stands as an essential preventive measure that contributes to reducing mortality and morbidity rates.

The rapid proliferation of the pandemic has generated substantial concern among healthcare professionals globally. It is imperative that timely and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak is made readily available to all healthcare practitioners.

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning COVID-19 significantly influence society’s readiness to accept behavioral change initiatives introduced by health authorities. The implementation of lockdown measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in atypical consumer behaviors, which have impacted the operational capacity of large corporations. Noteworthy instances of such behaviors include panic buying of essential items such as food and toilet paper.

At Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq, the safety of students and staff remains the highest priority. This article investigates the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention and control measures within the university, utilizing a study focused on student perspectives. The research explores various topics, including social distancing practices, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns, and medical support. The objective of the study is to provide valuable insights into pandemic response strategies in Iraqi higher education and to identify opportunities for enhancement.

Methods

A total of 182 health and medical technology students from the X-ray section at Al-Zahraa University for Women participated in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the students via Google Classroom, which serves as the official communication channel between academic institutions and students. The study achieved a 100% response rate, and the data were collected and analyzed. Data collection took place from January to September 2021. An academic class representative played a key role in disseminating the link to the questionnaire among the students. Responses were retrieved as Excel files from the electronic questionnaire (a Google Form) and were imported into SPSS version 23 for analysis. This study utilized rates and percentages to evaluate and compare the findings with those of similar studies. The questionnaire focused on COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women and consisted of multiple-choice questions. It was developed based on previous studies and a review of various articles and research. The questionnaire included three sections, with a total of 18 questions. It was made available in both Arabic and English. The demographic data collected during the study included students’ age, marital status, and current living situation.

Ethics and consent

Before the research, ethical approval (permit no. HREC 39) was granted by the independent ethics committee of Al-Zahraa University for Women in Karbala, Iraq.
Verbal consent to participate was obtained from each student after informing them in writing about the study’s objectives, the time involved, the security of their answers, their freedom to participate or withdraw, and the future benefits to their community.

Discussion

The global shift to online learning was prompted by the closures of schools and universities, creating a challenging situation for institutions, students, instructors, and parents. This transition required expertise and quick implementation to minimize instructional time loss. The results of this experience may inform the development of a COVID-19 preventive program aimed at enhancing essential university safety measures and reducing the virus's spread. However, the researcher struggled to find similar studies in the Middle East and other regions, mainly because the transition to online education has resulted in a lack of academic investigations into campus management concerning COVID-19 prevention practices.

In this study, 62 students (34%) thought preventive measures were being effectively implemented at their university. In contrast, Albaqawi's study found that only 45 students (3.7%) knew someone in their family with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Shi et al.'s study reported an average overall implementation rate of COVID-19 preventive and control measures at 80.0% in Chinese nursing homes, although this is a different context than educational institutions, and is significantly higher than what was observed in our research.

The findings indicate that strict COVID-19 prevention measures were lacking at Al-Zahraa University. While 158 participants (86.8%) believed that the teaching staff were committed to safety measures, the same number disagreed that these measures were enforced in the university cafeteria. Additionally, 88 participants (48.35%) felt that mask-wearing was not adequately enforced, and 82 participants (45%) believed that the university management failed to sanitize the campus before students' arrival.

In contrast, Freeman et al. found that most large educational institutions in the US implemented masking (100%) and physical distancing rules (99%). Class de-densification was also a strategy employed by 61% of these institutions. These findings starkly contrast with those of our research, highlighting the need for university administrations to adhere to COVID-19 preventive guidelines.

Strengths
Our study had several strengths. A 100% response rate was received on the survey for the study. Our study was cost-effective. Online questionnaires are a great approach for collecting a lot of data from a body of students while avoiding the possibility of contracting COVID-19.

Limitations
Our study also had some limitations. The first limitation is the small number of participants. The second is that for practical reasons the study did not include other universities in Iraq.

Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University’s execution of prevention and control measures was found to be weak. The safety of students and employees is a significant priority at the university. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness with which social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns and medical care are implemented.
As for proofread the manuscript :
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant issue for institutions in Iraq. Al Zahraa University is particularly vulnerable due to the presence of susceptible, high-risk populations.

Methods: A total of 182 undergraduate students from the Health and Medical Technology College participated in this study. We conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey to evaluate the COVID-19 preventive measures in place for students at Al Zahraa University for Women. The questionnaire achieved a 100% response rate, and the collected findings were analyzed.

Results: The findings indicated that 53 participants (29.1%) were 20 years old, with 151 students (82.9%) residing in Karbala. A significant number, 120 students (65.9%), believed the university did not implement adequate preventive measures against COVID-19. Furthermore, 94 participants (52%) felt the university enforced mask-wearing on campus. Regarding social distancing, 161 students (88.4%) thought it was not enforced effectively. Additionally, 158 participants (86.8%) and 116 participants (63.7%) believed that there were no preventive measures in the campus cafeteria or during university transportation, respectively.

Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University's execution of prevention and control measures were weak. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness of its preventive measures. The inadequacy of COVID-19 safety measures highlights the need for national guidance.

Introduction

In the first half of 2020, nearly all higher education institutions worldwide were compelled to close in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. University officials faced the critical task of determining the safest methods to reintroduce students, faculty, and staff to campus. Effective planning for educational interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a comprehensive awareness of the health risks associated with the virus, along with considerations of knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behaviors. The pandemic has fundamentally altered the landscape of education, prompting a global shift toward remote learning. Online tools, such as webinars facilitated by platforms such as WebEx and similar technologies, have supplanted traditional face-to-face instruction. The increasing integration of technology into various facets of life extends to the educational sphere. The necessity for social distancing has served as a primary motivator for students opting to enroll in online courses throughout the pandemic.

As of September 2021, the World Health Organization identified several essential measures that must be adopted to effectively control and contain the virus. These measures encompass hand hygiene, cough etiquette, surface disinfection, social distancing, and guidelines regarding large gatherings. The pandemic's repercussions on morbidity and mortality rates have had a profound global impact, necessitating a detailed understanding of human behavior and ongoing assessments of knowledge as integral components of virus containment efforts. Natural reactions such as fear, anxiety, and stress are common responses to perceived risks and uncertainties. Consequently, public apprehension during the pandemic is an understandable phenomenon.

Within the nursing profession, studies indicate that nurses encounter a myriad of challenges, including management difficulties, adverse work environments, the risk of cross-infection within families, self-infection concerns, emotional and physical strain, and psychological stress. It is essential to provide these professionals with adequate training to work effectively in isolation units, particularly in light of their potential for psychological exhaustion.

Immunization programs and coverage play a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals of all ages from severe and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Offering protection against such diseases is among the most significant benefits that a nation can provide its citizens. Vaccination stands as an essential preventive measure that contributes to reducing mortality and morbidity rates.

The rapid proliferation of the pandemic has generated substantial concern among healthcare professionals globally. It is imperative that timely and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak is made readily available to all healthcare practitioners.

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning COVID-19 significantly influence society’s readiness to accept behavioral change initiatives introduced by health authorities. The implementation of lockdown measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in atypical consumer behaviors, which have impacted the operational capacity of large corporations. Noteworthy instances of such behaviors include panic buying of essential items such as food and toilet paper.

At Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq, the safety of students and staff remains the highest priority. This article investigates the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention and control measures within the university, utilizing a study focused on student perspectives. The research explores various topics, including social distancing practices, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns, and medical support. The objective of the study is to provide valuable insights into pandemic response strategies in Iraqi higher education and to identify opportunities for enhancement.

Methods

A total of 182 health and medical technology students from the X-ray section at Al-Zahraa University for Women participated in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the students via Google Classroom, which serves as the official communication channel between academic institutions and students. The study achieved a 100% response rate, and the data were collected and analyzed. Data collection took place from January to September 2021. An academic class representative played a key role in disseminating the link to the questionnaire among the students. Responses were retrieved as Excel files from the electronic questionnaire (a Google Form) and were imported into SPSS version 23 for analysis. This study utilized rates and percentages to evaluate and compare the findings with those of similar studies. The questionnaire focused on COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women and consisted of multiple-choice questions. It was developed based on previous studies and a review of various articles and research. The questionnaire included three sections, with a total of 18 questions. It was made available in both Arabic and English. The demographic data collected during the study included students’ age, marital status, and current living situation.

Ethics and consent

Before the research, ethical approval (permit no. HREC 39) was granted by the independent ethics committee of Al-Zahraa University for Women in Karbala, Iraq.
Verbal consent to participate was obtained from each student after informing them in writing about the study’s objectives, the time involved, the security of their answers, their freedom to participate or withdraw, and the future benefits to their community.

Discussion

The global shift to online learning was prompted by the closures of schools and universities, creating a challenging situation for institutions, students, instructors, and parents. This transition required expertise and quick implementation to minimize instructional time loss. The results of this experience may inform the development of a COVID-19 preventive program aimed at enhancing essential university safety measures and reducing the virus's spread. However, the researcher struggled to find similar studies in the Middle East and other regions, mainly because the transition to online education has resulted in a lack of academic investigations into campus management concerning COVID-19 prevention practices.

In this study, 62 students (34%) thought preventive measures were being effectively implemented at their university. In contrast, Albaqawi's study found that only 45 students (3.7%) knew someone in their family with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Shi et al.'s study reported an average overall implementation rate of COVID-19 preventive and control measures at 80.0% in Chinese nursing homes, although this is a different context than educational institutions, and is significantly higher than what was observed in our research.

The findings indicate that strict COVID-19 prevention measures were lacking at Al-Zahraa University. While 158 participants (86.8%) believed that the teaching staff were committed to safety measures, the same number disagreed that these measures were enforced in the university cafeteria. Additionally, 88 participants (48.35%) felt that mask-wearing was not adequately enforced, and 82 participants (45%) believed that the university management failed to sanitize the campus before students' arrival.

In contrast, Freeman et al. found that most large educational institutions in the US implemented masking (100%) and physical distancing rules (99%). Class de-densification was also a strategy employed by 61% of these institutions. These findings starkly contrast with those of our research, highlighting the need for university administrations to adhere to COVID-19 preventive guidelines.

Strengths
Our study had several strengths. A 100% response rate was received on the survey for the study. Our study was cost-effective. Online questionnaires are a great approach for collecting a lot of data from a body of students while avoiding the possibility of contracting COVID-19.

Limitations
Our study also had some limitations. The first limitation is the small number of participants. The second is that for practical reasons the study did not include other universities in Iraq.

Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University’s execution of prevention and control measures was found to be weak. The safety of students and employees is a significant priority at the university. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness with which social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns and medical care are implemented.
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close
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Author Response 01 Aug 2023

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

01 Aug 2023

Author Response

Dear reviewer
Thank you so much for your valuable notes . I will work on it and let you know soon.
Best,
Hassan
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.
Dear reviewer
Thank you so much for your valuable notes . I will work on it and let you know soon.
Best,
Hassan
Dear reviewer
Thank you so much for your valuable notes . I will work on it and let you know soon.
Best,
Hassan
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close
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Author Response 31 Aug 2023

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

31 Aug 2023

Author Response

Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for your valuable notes. I had corrected the article per your request. If you have any other notes, I will be more than happy ... Continue reading Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for your valuable notes. I had corrected the article per your request. If you have any other notes, I will be more than happy to do it.
All the best,
Hassan
Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for your valuable notes. I had corrected the article per your request. If you have any other notes, I will be more than happy to do it.
All the best,
Hassan
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close
Report a concern
Author Response 09 Nov 2024

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

09 Nov 2024

Author Response

As for proofread the manuscript :
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant issue for institutions in Iraq. Al Zahraa University is particularly vulnerable due to the ... Continue reading As for proofread the manuscript :
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant issue for institutions in Iraq. Al Zahraa University is particularly vulnerable due to the presence of susceptible, high-risk populations.

Methods: A total of 182 undergraduate students from the Health and Medical Technology College participated in this study. We conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey to evaluate the COVID-19 preventive measures in place for students at Al Zahraa University for Women. The questionnaire achieved a 100% response rate, and the collected findings were analyzed.

Results: The findings indicated that 53 participants (29.1%) were 20 years old, with 151 students (82.9%) residing in Karbala. A significant number, 120 students (65.9%), believed the university did not implement adequate preventive measures against COVID-19. Furthermore, 94 participants (52%) felt the university enforced mask-wearing on campus. Regarding social distancing, 161 students (88.4%) thought it was not enforced effectively. Additionally, 158 participants (86.8%) and 116 participants (63.7%) believed that there were no preventive measures in the campus cafeteria or during university transportation, respectively.

Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University's execution of prevention and control measures were weak. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness of its preventive measures. The inadequacy of COVID-19 safety measures highlights the need for national guidance.

Introduction

In the first half of 2020, nearly all higher education institutions worldwide were compelled to close in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. University officials faced the critical task of determining the safest methods to reintroduce students, faculty, and staff to campus. Effective planning for educational interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a comprehensive awareness of the health risks associated with the virus, along with considerations of knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behaviors. The pandemic has fundamentally altered the landscape of education, prompting a global shift toward remote learning. Online tools, such as webinars facilitated by platforms such as WebEx and similar technologies, have supplanted traditional face-to-face instruction. The increasing integration of technology into various facets of life extends to the educational sphere. The necessity for social distancing has served as a primary motivator for students opting to enroll in online courses throughout the pandemic.

As of September 2021, the World Health Organization identified several essential measures that must be adopted to effectively control and contain the virus. These measures encompass hand hygiene, cough etiquette, surface disinfection, social distancing, and guidelines regarding large gatherings. The pandemic's repercussions on morbidity and mortality rates have had a profound global impact, necessitating a detailed understanding of human behavior and ongoing assessments of knowledge as integral components of virus containment efforts. Natural reactions such as fear, anxiety, and stress are common responses to perceived risks and uncertainties. Consequently, public apprehension during the pandemic is an understandable phenomenon.

Within the nursing profession, studies indicate that nurses encounter a myriad of challenges, including management difficulties, adverse work environments, the risk of cross-infection within families, self-infection concerns, emotional and physical strain, and psychological stress. It is essential to provide these professionals with adequate training to work effectively in isolation units, particularly in light of their potential for psychological exhaustion.

Immunization programs and coverage play a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals of all ages from severe and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Offering protection against such diseases is among the most significant benefits that a nation can provide its citizens. Vaccination stands as an essential preventive measure that contributes to reducing mortality and morbidity rates.

The rapid proliferation of the pandemic has generated substantial concern among healthcare professionals globally. It is imperative that timely and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak is made readily available to all healthcare practitioners.

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning COVID-19 significantly influence society’s readiness to accept behavioral change initiatives introduced by health authorities. The implementation of lockdown measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in atypical consumer behaviors, which have impacted the operational capacity of large corporations. Noteworthy instances of such behaviors include panic buying of essential items such as food and toilet paper.

At Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq, the safety of students and staff remains the highest priority. This article investigates the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention and control measures within the university, utilizing a study focused on student perspectives. The research explores various topics, including social distancing practices, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns, and medical support. The objective of the study is to provide valuable insights into pandemic response strategies in Iraqi higher education and to identify opportunities for enhancement.

Methods

A total of 182 health and medical technology students from the X-ray section at Al-Zahraa University for Women participated in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the students via Google Classroom, which serves as the official communication channel between academic institutions and students. The study achieved a 100% response rate, and the data were collected and analyzed. Data collection took place from January to September 2021. An academic class representative played a key role in disseminating the link to the questionnaire among the students. Responses were retrieved as Excel files from the electronic questionnaire (a Google Form) and were imported into SPSS version 23 for analysis. This study utilized rates and percentages to evaluate and compare the findings with those of similar studies. The questionnaire focused on COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women and consisted of multiple-choice questions. It was developed based on previous studies and a review of various articles and research. The questionnaire included three sections, with a total of 18 questions. It was made available in both Arabic and English. The demographic data collected during the study included students’ age, marital status, and current living situation.

Ethics and consent

Before the research, ethical approval (permit no. HREC 39) was granted by the independent ethics committee of Al-Zahraa University for Women in Karbala, Iraq.
Verbal consent to participate was obtained from each student after informing them in writing about the study’s objectives, the time involved, the security of their answers, their freedom to participate or withdraw, and the future benefits to their community.

Discussion

The global shift to online learning was prompted by the closures of schools and universities, creating a challenging situation for institutions, students, instructors, and parents. This transition required expertise and quick implementation to minimize instructional time loss. The results of this experience may inform the development of a COVID-19 preventive program aimed at enhancing essential university safety measures and reducing the virus's spread. However, the researcher struggled to find similar studies in the Middle East and other regions, mainly because the transition to online education has resulted in a lack of academic investigations into campus management concerning COVID-19 prevention practices.

In this study, 62 students (34%) thought preventive measures were being effectively implemented at their university. In contrast, Albaqawi's study found that only 45 students (3.7%) knew someone in their family with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Shi et al.'s study reported an average overall implementation rate of COVID-19 preventive and control measures at 80.0% in Chinese nursing homes, although this is a different context than educational institutions, and is significantly higher than what was observed in our research.

The findings indicate that strict COVID-19 prevention measures were lacking at Al-Zahraa University. While 158 participants (86.8%) believed that the teaching staff were committed to safety measures, the same number disagreed that these measures were enforced in the university cafeteria. Additionally, 88 participants (48.35%) felt that mask-wearing was not adequately enforced, and 82 participants (45%) believed that the university management failed to sanitize the campus before students' arrival.

In contrast, Freeman et al. found that most large educational institutions in the US implemented masking (100%) and physical distancing rules (99%). Class de-densification was also a strategy employed by 61% of these institutions. These findings starkly contrast with those of our research, highlighting the need for university administrations to adhere to COVID-19 preventive guidelines.

Strengths
Our study had several strengths. A 100% response rate was received on the survey for the study. Our study was cost-effective. Online questionnaires are a great approach for collecting a lot of data from a body of students while avoiding the possibility of contracting COVID-19.

Limitations
Our study also had some limitations. The first limitation is the small number of participants. The second is that for practical reasons the study did not include other universities in Iraq.

Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University’s execution of prevention and control measures was found to be weak. The safety of students and employees is a significant priority at the university. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness with which social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns and medical care are implemented.
As for proofread the manuscript :
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant issue for institutions in Iraq. Al Zahraa University is particularly vulnerable due to the presence of susceptible, high-risk populations.

Methods: A total of 182 undergraduate students from the Health and Medical Technology College participated in this study. We conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey to evaluate the COVID-19 preventive measures in place for students at Al Zahraa University for Women. The questionnaire achieved a 100% response rate, and the collected findings were analyzed.

Results: The findings indicated that 53 participants (29.1%) were 20 years old, with 151 students (82.9%) residing in Karbala. A significant number, 120 students (65.9%), believed the university did not implement adequate preventive measures against COVID-19. Furthermore, 94 participants (52%) felt the university enforced mask-wearing on campus. Regarding social distancing, 161 students (88.4%) thought it was not enforced effectively. Additionally, 158 participants (86.8%) and 116 participants (63.7%) believed that there were no preventive measures in the campus cafeteria or during university transportation, respectively.

Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University's execution of prevention and control measures were weak. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness of its preventive measures. The inadequacy of COVID-19 safety measures highlights the need for national guidance.

Introduction

In the first half of 2020, nearly all higher education institutions worldwide were compelled to close in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. University officials faced the critical task of determining the safest methods to reintroduce students, faculty, and staff to campus. Effective planning for educational interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a comprehensive awareness of the health risks associated with the virus, along with considerations of knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behaviors. The pandemic has fundamentally altered the landscape of education, prompting a global shift toward remote learning. Online tools, such as webinars facilitated by platforms such as WebEx and similar technologies, have supplanted traditional face-to-face instruction. The increasing integration of technology into various facets of life extends to the educational sphere. The necessity for social distancing has served as a primary motivator for students opting to enroll in online courses throughout the pandemic.

As of September 2021, the World Health Organization identified several essential measures that must be adopted to effectively control and contain the virus. These measures encompass hand hygiene, cough etiquette, surface disinfection, social distancing, and guidelines regarding large gatherings. The pandemic's repercussions on morbidity and mortality rates have had a profound global impact, necessitating a detailed understanding of human behavior and ongoing assessments of knowledge as integral components of virus containment efforts. Natural reactions such as fear, anxiety, and stress are common responses to perceived risks and uncertainties. Consequently, public apprehension during the pandemic is an understandable phenomenon.

Within the nursing profession, studies indicate that nurses encounter a myriad of challenges, including management difficulties, adverse work environments, the risk of cross-infection within families, self-infection concerns, emotional and physical strain, and psychological stress. It is essential to provide these professionals with adequate training to work effectively in isolation units, particularly in light of their potential for psychological exhaustion.

Immunization programs and coverage play a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals of all ages from severe and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Offering protection against such diseases is among the most significant benefits that a nation can provide its citizens. Vaccination stands as an essential preventive measure that contributes to reducing mortality and morbidity rates.

The rapid proliferation of the pandemic has generated substantial concern among healthcare professionals globally. It is imperative that timely and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak is made readily available to all healthcare practitioners.

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning COVID-19 significantly influence society’s readiness to accept behavioral change initiatives introduced by health authorities. The implementation of lockdown measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in atypical consumer behaviors, which have impacted the operational capacity of large corporations. Noteworthy instances of such behaviors include panic buying of essential items such as food and toilet paper.

At Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq, the safety of students and staff remains the highest priority. This article investigates the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention and control measures within the university, utilizing a study focused on student perspectives. The research explores various topics, including social distancing practices, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns, and medical support. The objective of the study is to provide valuable insights into pandemic response strategies in Iraqi higher education and to identify opportunities for enhancement.

Methods

A total of 182 health and medical technology students from the X-ray section at Al-Zahraa University for Women participated in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the students via Google Classroom, which serves as the official communication channel between academic institutions and students. The study achieved a 100% response rate, and the data were collected and analyzed. Data collection took place from January to September 2021. An academic class representative played a key role in disseminating the link to the questionnaire among the students. Responses were retrieved as Excel files from the electronic questionnaire (a Google Form) and were imported into SPSS version 23 for analysis. This study utilized rates and percentages to evaluate and compare the findings with those of similar studies. The questionnaire focused on COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women and consisted of multiple-choice questions. It was developed based on previous studies and a review of various articles and research. The questionnaire included three sections, with a total of 18 questions. It was made available in both Arabic and English. The demographic data collected during the study included students’ age, marital status, and current living situation.

Ethics and consent

Before the research, ethical approval (permit no. HREC 39) was granted by the independent ethics committee of Al-Zahraa University for Women in Karbala, Iraq.
Verbal consent to participate was obtained from each student after informing them in writing about the study’s objectives, the time involved, the security of their answers, their freedom to participate or withdraw, and the future benefits to their community.

Discussion

The global shift to online learning was prompted by the closures of schools and universities, creating a challenging situation for institutions, students, instructors, and parents. This transition required expertise and quick implementation to minimize instructional time loss. The results of this experience may inform the development of a COVID-19 preventive program aimed at enhancing essential university safety measures and reducing the virus's spread. However, the researcher struggled to find similar studies in the Middle East and other regions, mainly because the transition to online education has resulted in a lack of academic investigations into campus management concerning COVID-19 prevention practices.

In this study, 62 students (34%) thought preventive measures were being effectively implemented at their university. In contrast, Albaqawi's study found that only 45 students (3.7%) knew someone in their family with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Shi et al.'s study reported an average overall implementation rate of COVID-19 preventive and control measures at 80.0% in Chinese nursing homes, although this is a different context than educational institutions, and is significantly higher than what was observed in our research.

The findings indicate that strict COVID-19 prevention measures were lacking at Al-Zahraa University. While 158 participants (86.8%) believed that the teaching staff were committed to safety measures, the same number disagreed that these measures were enforced in the university cafeteria. Additionally, 88 participants (48.35%) felt that mask-wearing was not adequately enforced, and 82 participants (45%) believed that the university management failed to sanitize the campus before students' arrival.

In contrast, Freeman et al. found that most large educational institutions in the US implemented masking (100%) and physical distancing rules (99%). Class de-densification was also a strategy employed by 61% of these institutions. These findings starkly contrast with those of our research, highlighting the need for university administrations to adhere to COVID-19 preventive guidelines.

Strengths
Our study had several strengths. A 100% response rate was received on the survey for the study. Our study was cost-effective. Online questionnaires are a great approach for collecting a lot of data from a body of students while avoiding the possibility of contracting COVID-19.

Limitations
Our study also had some limitations. The first limitation is the small number of participants. The second is that for practical reasons the study did not include other universities in Iraq.

Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University’s execution of prevention and control measures was found to be weak. The safety of students and employees is a significant priority at the university. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness with which social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns and medical care are implemented.
Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close
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Version 2

VERSION 2 PUBLISHED 17 May 2023

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Version 2 (revision) 31 Aug 23	read	read
Version 1 17 May 23	read

Asita Elengoe, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Morenike Folayan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria

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3 Views

25 May 2024 | for Version 2

Asita Elengoe, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

3 Views Cite this report Responses(0)

Approved With Reservations

I am really sorry that I could not see much difference after my review report. Can you please answer each question I mentioned in my previous review report and highlight the corrections in the text?

Competing Interests

No competing interests were disclosed.

Reviewer Expertise

Virology, Statistics

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09 May 2024 | for Version 2

Morenike Folayan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Osun, Nigeria

5 Views Cite this report Responses(1)

Not Approved

COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University in the eyes of the students: A cross-sectional study from Iraq

Thanks for sharing the work with the public. A number of comments to strengthen the paper

Title: Please revise the title. I assume ‘eyes’ means perspectives. Second, I think the study design is best represented as a survey since the author reported only descriptive variables.

Abstract

The background: please include the study objective(s)
Please details on the method should include information on study design, period of data collection, study variables collected and data analysis. The information on sample size should be in the results section.
The conclusion needs to align with an objective. This is currently missing.

Introduction

Its difficult to understand the goal of this piece. I suggest this be rewritten with a focus. What is known in the field, what is unknown and what the manuscript specifically would like to address. The author(s) are encouraged to develop a conceptual framework for this study. As written in the manuscript, there is an indication that the study focuses on the efficacy of the Covid-19 prevention and control measures at the university. Yet, the design is not for this purpose. In addition, the study is conducted on a single campus in Iran – how does this campus represent Iran? OR why this campus?

Methodology

This section is not comprehensive. Please include details on study design, study populations and the eligibility criteria for the study, sample size, study recruitment procedure, validity and reliability of data collection tools, data collection variables and data analysis plan. Please use the STROBE guidelines to revise the study report. There is also no evidence of the validation of the study instrument. Please section the methodology in line with the STROBE guidelines.

Results

The quality of the results could be enhanced by conducting tests of associations. The author(s) noted that the study objective was to provide insight into pandemic response strategies in Iraqi higher education – to enable improvements where applicable. This study explores the perspectives of students on COVID-19 prevention strategies at universities. However, this study was only conducted in a single institution. How does this institution represent Iraq?

Is the work clearly and accurately presented and does it cite the current literature?

Partly
Is the study design appropriate and is the work technically sound?

No
Are sufficient details of methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others?

No
If applicable, is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate?

No
Are all the source data underlying the results available to ensure full reproducibility?

No
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results?

No

Competing Interests

No competing interests were disclosed.

Reviewer Expertise

Public Health

I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to state that I do not consider it to be of an acceptable scientific standard, for reasons outlined above.

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Author Response

07 Nov 2024

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

Dear Sir, thank you so much for your notes. I hope these notes will greatly enhance my research, and I highly value your feedback to strengthen my work further.
1.Yes it is kind of survey.
2. Yes, eye mean perspective and opinion.
Abstract.
1.The study's objective is to assess Al-Zahraa University students' understanding and evaluating of the university's preventive measures.
2. study is cross sectional study. The research and data collection took place between January and September 2021. An academic class representative was active in disseminating the questionnaire link to the students. The responses were retrieved as Excel files from the electronic form of a questionnaire (a Google form) and imported into S.P.S.S. version 23 for analysis. This study uses rates and percentages to assess and contrast the findings with findings from other, similar studies. A total of 182 health and medical technology students from the X-ray section of Al-Zahraa University for Women took part in this cross-sectional. sample size 182 female students because only women attend Al-Zahraa University.
3. Most students feel that the preventive measures at Al-Zahraa University are insufficient.
1. introduction
In this study the researcher focusing on two things first the knowledge of the students about university's preventive measures and second about the efficiency of these measures. the study was conducted in Iraq as a sample which might represent universities in Iraq and the researcher wishes that more research in other Iraqi universities to be done in the future.
The eligibility criteria: inclusion criteria include all female students in x-ray department at Al-Zahraa University. Exclusion criteria include administrative staff and other professors at Al-Zahraa University.
Sample size was all students at x-ray department at Al-Zahraa University with response rate 100%.
study recruitment procedure the research team identifies the demographic characteristic of the study sample. Flyers, social media posts, emails, and website information was developed to reach the target audience.
Validity: Experts from Karbala medical school and ministry of health review the tool to confirm it aligns with the study objectives. The extent to which results align with other measures taken simultaneously.
Reliability: The researcher measures the tool’s consistency over time. He did High test-retest reliability and get similar results when re-tested after a period. The researcher use data collection variables factors that are kept constant to prevent them from affecting the study outcome.

Data analysis plan Calculate frequencies, and percentages to understand the data distribution.
1.Results
Data were collected from Al-Zahraa University, located in central Iraq. The university enrolls students from across the country, potentially making them a representative sample of Iraqi students to some extent.
Thank you so much. waiting for your kind response

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Reviewer Report

24 Views

25 Jul 2023 | for Version 1

Asita Elengoe, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

24 Views Cite this report Responses(3)

Approved With Reservations

Please proofread the manuscript.
Introduction: Please elaborate on the COVID-19 prevention measures at other universities.
Introduction: Please include more points on preventive measures in universities.
Introduction: Please mention the problem of the statement clearly.
Introduction: Please write the objective of the study more clearly.
Methods: How do you validate the questionnaire?
Methods: May I please know whether the questionnaire was prepared by yourself or modified from the previous study?
Methods: Have you done a pre-test?
Methods: In which language you prepared the questionnaire?
What type of statistical test you carried out? eg. Chi-square, independent-t-test, etc?
Discussion: Lack of previous studies.
Discussion: Please compare your results with other studies.
Conclusion: Not clear

Is the work clearly and accurately presented and does it cite the current literature?

Partly
Is the study design appropriate and is the work technically sound?

Partly
Are sufficient details of methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others?

Partly
If applicable, is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate?

Partly
Are all the source data underlying the results available to ensure full reproducibility?

Partly
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results?

Yes

Competing Interests

No competing interests were disclosed.

Reviewer Expertise

Virology, Statistics

Respond to this report

Responses (3)

Author Response

01 Aug 2023

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

Dear reviewer
Thank you so much for your valuable notes . I will work on it and let you know soon.
Best,
Hassan

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Competing Interests

No competing interests were disclosed.

Author Response

31 Aug 2023

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for your valuable notes. I had corrected the article per your request. If you have any other notes, I will be more than happy to do it.
All the best,
Hassan

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Competing Interests

No competing interests were disclosed.

Author Response

09 Nov 2024

HASSAN al-kazzaz, Health and Medical Technology College, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Baghdad, Iraq

As for proofread the manuscript :
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant issue for institutions in Iraq. Al Zahraa University is particularly vulnerable due to the presence of susceptible, high-risk populations.

Methods: A total of 182 undergraduate students from the Health and Medical Technology College participated in this study. We conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey to evaluate the COVID-19 preventive measures in place for students at Al Zahraa University for Women. The questionnaire achieved a 100% response rate, and the collected findings were analyzed.

Results: The findings indicated that 53 participants (29.1%) were 20 years old, with 151 students (82.9%) residing in Karbala. A significant number, 120 students (65.9%), believed the university did not implement adequate preventive measures against COVID-19. Furthermore, 94 participants (52%) felt the university enforced mask-wearing on campus. Regarding social distancing, 161 students (88.4%) thought it was not enforced effectively. Additionally, 158 participants (86.8%) and 116 participants (63.7%) believed that there were no preventive measures in the campus cafeteria or during university transportation, respectively.

Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University's execution of prevention and control measures were weak. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness of its preventive measures. The inadequacy of COVID-19 safety measures highlights the need for national guidance.

Introduction

In the first half of 2020, nearly all higher education institutions worldwide were compelled to close in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. University officials faced the critical task of determining the safest methods to reintroduce students, faculty, and staff to campus. Effective planning for educational interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a comprehensive awareness of the health risks associated with the virus, along with considerations of knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behaviors. The pandemic has fundamentally altered the landscape of education, prompting a global shift toward remote learning. Online tools, such as webinars facilitated by platforms such as WebEx and similar technologies, have supplanted traditional face-to-face instruction. The increasing integration of technology into various facets of life extends to the educational sphere. The necessity for social distancing has served as a primary motivator for students opting to enroll in online courses throughout the pandemic.

As of September 2021, the World Health Organization identified several essential measures that must be adopted to effectively control and contain the virus. These measures encompass hand hygiene, cough etiquette, surface disinfection, social distancing, and guidelines regarding large gatherings. The pandemic's repercussions on morbidity and mortality rates have had a profound global impact, necessitating a detailed understanding of human behavior and ongoing assessments of knowledge as integral components of virus containment efforts. Natural reactions such as fear, anxiety, and stress are common responses to perceived risks and uncertainties. Consequently, public apprehension during the pandemic is an understandable phenomenon.

Within the nursing profession, studies indicate that nurses encounter a myriad of challenges, including management difficulties, adverse work environments, the risk of cross-infection within families, self-infection concerns, emotional and physical strain, and psychological stress. It is essential to provide these professionals with adequate training to work effectively in isolation units, particularly in light of their potential for psychological exhaustion.

Immunization programs and coverage play a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals of all ages from severe and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. Offering protection against such diseases is among the most significant benefits that a nation can provide its citizens. Vaccination stands as an essential preventive measure that contributes to reducing mortality and morbidity rates.

The rapid proliferation of the pandemic has generated substantial concern among healthcare professionals globally. It is imperative that timely and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak is made readily available to all healthcare practitioners.

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning COVID-19 significantly influence society’s readiness to accept behavioral change initiatives introduced by health authorities. The implementation of lockdown measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in atypical consumer behaviors, which have impacted the operational capacity of large corporations. Noteworthy instances of such behaviors include panic buying of essential items such as food and toilet paper.

At Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq, the safety of students and staff remains the highest priority. This article investigates the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention and control measures within the university, utilizing a study focused on student perspectives. The research explores various topics, including social distancing practices, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns, and medical support. The objective of the study is to provide valuable insights into pandemic response strategies in Iraqi higher education and to identify opportunities for enhancement.

Methods

A total of 182 health and medical technology students from the X-ray section at Al-Zahraa University for Women participated in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the students via Google Classroom, which serves as the official communication channel between academic institutions and students. The study achieved a 100% response rate, and the data were collected and analyzed. Data collection took place from January to September 2021. An academic class representative played a key role in disseminating the link to the questionnaire among the students. Responses were retrieved as Excel files from the electronic questionnaire (a Google Form) and were imported into SPSS version 23 for analysis. This study utilized rates and percentages to evaluate and compare the findings with those of similar studies. The questionnaire focused on COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women and consisted of multiple-choice questions. It was developed based on previous studies and a review of various articles and research. The questionnaire included three sections, with a total of 18 questions. It was made available in both Arabic and English. The demographic data collected during the study included students’ age, marital status, and current living situation.

Ethics and consent

Before the research, ethical approval (permit no. HREC 39) was granted by the independent ethics committee of Al-Zahraa University for Women in Karbala, Iraq.
Verbal consent to participate was obtained from each student after informing them in writing about the study’s objectives, the time involved, the security of their answers, their freedom to participate or withdraw, and the future benefits to their community.

Discussion

The global shift to online learning was prompted by the closures of schools and universities, creating a challenging situation for institutions, students, instructors, and parents. This transition required expertise and quick implementation to minimize instructional time loss. The results of this experience may inform the development of a COVID-19 preventive program aimed at enhancing essential university safety measures and reducing the virus's spread. However, the researcher struggled to find similar studies in the Middle East and other regions, mainly because the transition to online education has resulted in a lack of academic investigations into campus management concerning COVID-19 prevention practices.

In this study, 62 students (34%) thought preventive measures were being effectively implemented at their university. In contrast, Albaqawi's study found that only 45 students (3.7%) knew someone in their family with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Shi et al.'s study reported an average overall implementation rate of COVID-19 preventive and control measures at 80.0% in Chinese nursing homes, although this is a different context than educational institutions, and is significantly higher than what was observed in our research.

The findings indicate that strict COVID-19 prevention measures were lacking at Al-Zahraa University. While 158 participants (86.8%) believed that the teaching staff were committed to safety measures, the same number disagreed that these measures were enforced in the university cafeteria. Additionally, 88 participants (48.35%) felt that mask-wearing was not adequately enforced, and 82 participants (45%) believed that the university management failed to sanitize the campus before students' arrival.

In contrast, Freeman et al. found that most large educational institutions in the US implemented masking (100%) and physical distancing rules (99%). Class de-densification was also a strategy employed by 61% of these institutions. These findings starkly contrast with those of our research, highlighting the need for university administrations to adhere to COVID-19 preventive guidelines.

Strengths
Our study had several strengths. A 100% response rate was received on the survey for the study. Our study was cost-effective. Online questionnaires are a great approach for collecting a lot of data from a body of students while avoiding the possibility of contracting COVID-19.

Limitations
Our study also had some limitations. The first limitation is the small number of participants. The second is that for practical reasons the study did not include other universities in Iraq.

Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Al-Zahraa University’s execution of prevention and control measures was found to be weak. The safety of students and employees is a significant priority at the university. Interventions are urgently needed to improve the effectiveness with which social distancing, environmental disinfection procedures, awareness campaigns and medical care are implemented.

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Competing Interests

No competing interests were disclosed.

Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:

Approved - the paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested

Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.

Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions

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COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University in the eyes of the students: A cross-sectional study from Iraq

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

Methods

Ethics and consent

Results

Table 1. The participants' demographic characteristics (N, %).

Table 2. Health-related characteristics (N, %).

Table 3. COVID-19 prevention efforts at Al-Zahraa University for Women in the eyes of the students.

Discussion

Strengths

Limitations

Conclusions

Data availability

Underlying data

Acknowledgements

References

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