Primary school teachers' knowledge about and attitudes toward anaphylaxis

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Pediatric Health
• Educational Policy

Background:

• Anaphylaxis affects 1 in 10,000 children annually, with 82% of attacks occurring in school-aged children.
• Schools are a high-risk environment for anaphylaxis-related fatalities.
• Investigating primary school teachers' understanding of anaphylaxis is critical for child safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess primary school teachers' knowledge of anaphylaxis.
• To evaluate teachers' attitudes towards managing anaphylaxis.
• To determine the availability of emergency treatment facilities in schools.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 237 primary school teachers (91 state, 146 private).
• Data collected included knowledge of anaphylaxis triggers, symptoms, and emergency response protocols.
• Inquiry into awareness of emergency treatments like epinephrine autoinjectors and school management plans.

Main Results:

• Only 52% of teachers identified students with allergies; 47% recognized food as a trigger.
• Awareness of epinephrine autoinjectors was low (10%), with only 4% knowing its application site.
• 25% of teachers knew all anaphylaxis symptoms, and only 6% reported school management plans.

Conclusions:

• Primary school teachers demonstrate significant gaps in knowledge regarding anaphylaxis.
• There is an urgent need for comprehensive teacher training on anaphylaxis management.
• Re-evaluation of school health policies and allergy management plans is essential.