Surveillance for illness-induced school absence in students of elementary and secondary schools in Hangzhou, 2013–2017

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemiological characteristics of illness induced school absence in students of elementary and secondary schools in Hangzhou during 2013–2017 and provide evidence for the development of effective intervention measures to reduce the rate of school absence due to illness in students.

MethodsThe surveillance data of school absence due to illness in the students of elementary and secondary schools in Hangzhou during 2013–2017 were collected for statistical and descriptive analysis by using χ² test and Linear regression quadratic function to understand the epidemiological characteristics of the school absence and analyze the differences in gender distribution, stage of learning and district distribution.

ResultsThe overall rate of school absence due to illness was 23.21 per 10 000 during 2013–2017 and showed an increased tread (linear by linear association (P=0.010, F=100.035); The first disease causing school absence was influenza (54.45%); followed by other infectious diseases (9.90%); The absence rate was higher in primary school pupils (30.56 per 10000) than in middle school students (19.59 per 10000) ( χ²=5 299.071, P<0.001); The annual rate of school absence due to illness was highest in Xihu district (53.98 per 10000) and lowest in Xiaoshan district (7.49 per 10000).

ConclusionRespiratory infectious diseases are the focus of disease prevention and control in schools. More attention should be paid to elementary schools. It is necessary to take targeted measures to reduce the school absence due to illness in students.