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Classroom Temperature and Learner Absenteeism in Public Primary Schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Vicky Pule

    (Department of Environmental Health, School of Behavioural and Lifestyle Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6019, South Africa)

  • Angela Mathee

    (Department of Environmental Health, School of Behavioural and Lifestyle Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6019, South Africa
    Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
    Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa)

  • Paula Melariri

    (Department of Environmental Health, School of Behavioural and Lifestyle Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6019, South Africa)

  • Thandi Kapwata

    (Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
    Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa)

  • Nada Abdelatif

    (Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban 4001, South Africa)

  • Yusentha Balakrishna

    (Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban 4001, South Africa)

  • Zamantimande Kunene

    (Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa)

  • Mirriam Mogotsi

    (Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa)

  • Bianca Wernecke

    (Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
    Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa)

  • Caradee Yael Wright

    (Department of Environmental Health, School of Behavioural and Lifestyle Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6019, South Africa
    Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
    Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

Abstract

Children spend a significant proportion of their time at school and in school buildings. A healthy learning environment that supports children should be thermally conducive for learning and working. Here, we aimed to study the relations between indoor classroom temperatures and learner absenteeism as a proxy for children’s health and well-being. This one-year prospective study that spanned two calendar years (from June 2017 to May 2018) entailed measurement of indoor classroom temperature and relative humidity, calculated as apparent temperature (Tapp) and collection of daily absenteeism records for each classroom in schools in and around King Williams Town, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Classroom characteristics were collected using a standardized observation checklist. Mean indoor classroom temperature ranged from 11 to 30 °C, while mean outdoor temperature ranged from 6 °C to 31 °C during the sample period. Indoor classroom temperatures typically exceeded outdoor temperatures by 5 °C for 90% of the study period. While multiple factors may influence absenteeism, we found absenteeism was highest at low indoor classroom Tapp (i.e., below 15 °C). Absenteeism decreased as indoor Tapp increased to about 25 °C before showing another increase in absenteeism. Classroom characteristics differed among schools. Analyses of indoor classroom temperature and absenteeism in relation to classroom characteristics showed few statistically significant relations—although not exceptionally strong ones—likely because of the multiple factors that influence absenteeism. However, given the possible relationship between indoor temperature and absenteeism, there is a learning imperative to consider thermal comfort as a fundamental element of school planning and design. Furthermore, additional research on factors besides temperature that affect learner absenteeism is needed, especially in rural areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Vicky Pule & Angela Mathee & Paula Melariri & Thandi Kapwata & Nada Abdelatif & Yusentha Balakrishna & Zamantimande Kunene & Mirriam Mogotsi & Bianca Wernecke & Caradee Yael Wright, 2021. "Classroom Temperature and Learner Absenteeism in Public Primary Schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:20:p:10700-:d:654463
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simons, E. & Hwang, S.-A. & Fitzgerald, E.F. & Kielb, C. & Lin, S., 2010. "The impact of school building conditions on student absenteeism in upstate New York," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(9), pages 1679-1686.
    2. Dapi N., Léonie & Rocklov, Joacim & Nguefack-Tsague, Georges & Tetanye, Ekoe & Kjellstrom, Tord, 2010. "Heat impact on schoolchildren in Cameroon, Africa: potential health threat from climate change," MPRA Paper 27335, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 06 Nov 2010.
    3. Megbowon Ebenezer & Mushunje Abbyssinia, 2018. "Livelihood Diversification And Its Effect On Household Poverty In Eastern Cape Province, South Africa," Journal of Developing Areas, Tennessee State University, College of Business, vol. 52(1), pages 235-249, January-M.
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