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

Vicky Pule, Angela Mathee, Paula Melariri, Thandi Kapwata, Nada Abdelatif, Yusentha Balakrishna, Zamantimande Kunene, Mirriam Mogotsi, Bianca Wernecke and Caradee Yael Wright
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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
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
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
Caradee Yael Wright: Department of Environmental Health, School of Behavioural and Lifestyle Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6019, South Africa

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-17

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.

Keywords: climate change; cold; environmental health; heat; public health; humidity; schoolchildren (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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