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Trends in the Use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions in Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic, February 2021 to December 2023: A Mixed Methods Study

Author

Listed:
  • Nicole M. Robertson

    (Sinai Health, 600 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada)

  • Kailey Fischer

    (Sinai Health, 600 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada)

  • Iris Gutmanis

    (Sinai Health, 600 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada)

  • Veronica Zhu

    (Sinai Health, 600 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada)

  • CCS-2 Working Group

    (Non-author members of the CCS-2 Working Group are listed in the acknowledgments.)

  • Brenda L. Coleman

    (Sinai Health, 600 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
    School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada)

Abstract

The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) was imperative to avoid prolonged school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to understand the levels of adherence to and attitudes towards NPIs from February 2021 to December 2023 in schools in Ontario, Canada. Participants reported how frequently they, their coworkers, and their students used five NPIs: hand hygiene, covering coughs, staying home when ill, wearing a mask, and physically distancing. Open text comments provided participants with the option to provide additional details. Our mixed methods approach incorporated a series of descriptive statistics calculated at consecutive time points and thematic analysis. Participants reported higher adherence to NPIs than their coworkers and students, with less than perfect adherence that declined over time. Six themes emerged from the qualitative analysis on NPI use in schools: (1) the influence of time; (2) managing competing priorities; (3) a lack of enabling factors; (4) a lack of reinforcing factors; (5) the responsive use of NPIs; and (6) an emotional toll. To reduce the transmission of future communicable diseases and resultant staff and student sick days, ongoing commitment to hand hygiene, covering coughs, and staying home when ill is required.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole M. Robertson & Kailey Fischer & Iris Gutmanis & Veronica Zhu & CCS-2 Working Group & Brenda L. Coleman, 2025. "Trends in the Use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions in Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic, February 2021 to December 2023: A Mixed Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(3), pages 1-25, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:3:p:394-:d:1607700
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