Developing a tool for assessing classroom healthiness in Egyptian primary schools

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-5-2025

Abstract

Ensuring a healthy indoor classroom environment is essential for supporting student health, comfort, and academic performance. However, most existing environmental assessment tools evaluate entire buildings rather than addressing the unique conditions of individual classrooms. To bridge this gap, this study intro-duces the Classroom Healthiness Assessment Tool for IEQ (CHAT: IEQ), a novel, classroom-specific framework for assessing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and overall healthiness. CHAT: IEQ evaluates six key IEQ dimensions: thermal comfort, air quality, lighting quality, sound quality, view quality, and spatial quality. It integrates 60 key performance indicators (KPIs) across 24 assessment criteria, systematically derived and benchmarked against national and international standards, expert insights, and existing rating systems. The tool generates a quantitative "overall healthiness value,” enabling precise identification of environmental deficiencies. Applied to nine Egyptian primary classrooms, the assessment uncovered significant IEQ disparities, identifying critical health risks and areas for improvement. As a practical decision-making resource, CHAT: IEQ supports evidence-based interventions and guiding renovation and retrofitting efforts. This study highlights the pressing need for targeted strategies to create healthier, more comfortable, and academically supportive classrooms for young learners. By addressing specific classroom challenges and improving environmental conditions, CHAT: IEQ offers a valuable tool for enhancing student well-being and optimizing learning environments. It also contributes to ongoing efforts in improving public health in educational spaces, particularly in regions with limited resources.

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