Decisions and Influential Factors Regarding Class-Specific School Closures Against Seasonal Influenza Outbreak

Background One of the characteristics of school closure in Japan is class-specific school closure, which involves a reactive, short-term closure in the event of an infectious disease outbreak. These closures are implemented at each school in reaction to the annual seasonal influenza outbreaks. Very little research has addressed the formation of class-specific school closures to combat infectious diseases in elementary schools. We carried out a survey on factors involved in the decision to close classes and the determination of the timing and duration of class closures in elementary schools in Japan. Methods A mail-based questionnaire survey of elementary schools from four prefectures in western Japan was conducted between August and September 2021. The questions addressed the criteria for school closures (the timing and duration of class closure), various considerations, and confusion regarding class closures, with answers analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results In total, 714 elementary schools responded to the survey (37.9%). Furthermore, 398 (55.7%) schools established criteria for class closures during seasonal influenza. Class closure was most frequently initiated in schools with criteria when either 20% or 30% of class pupils were absent; the most common duration was three days. The duration of class closures was decided upon depending on the outbreak in some schools (69.8%), depending on the circumstances of the outbreak. Regarding class closure decisions, schools viewed school physicians' opinions as a priority, followed by school events, adjustments for Saturdays and Sundays, and Yogo teachers' opinions. Schools answering "no criteria for class closure" or "adjustments for Saturdays and Sundays" had difficulty determining class closure duration. Conclusion To guarantee the continuation of children's education and improve the effectiveness of preventive efforts against seasonal influenza, the following were considered important and helpful in class closure decision-making in elementary schools: scientific evidence, the school physician's opinion, and Yogo teachers' analysis of children's health information.