Investigation of Non-Structural Safety of Kindergartens in Tehran-Iran in 2020

Abstract

Background: Accidents are among the most important causes of preventable death in young children, so it is of paramount importance to pay attention to safety principles in kindergartens. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the non-structural safety of kindergartens in Tehran in 2020. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 175 kindergartens in Tehran-Iran during the autumn of 2020, which were selected by two-step cluster sampling. Data collection tools included checklists for manpower information and construction specifications, as well as a revised safety checklist designed by the Ministry of Health. Data analysis was performed by SPSS 16 software applying descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. Results: The safety of 65.1% and 34.9% of the kindergartens was very good and good, respectively. Based on the findings of this study, the non-structural safety of the kindergartens was significantly associated with neither manpower information nor construction specifications (P>0.05). Conclusion: Tehran’s kindergartens were in good condition in terms of non-structural safety. As the safety status of toys was lower compared to other areas, it is suggested to pay special attention to improving the safety of toys.

Keywords

• accidents
• non-structural safety
• kindergarten