Raising Asthma Awareness Among Baghdad's Primary School Teachers
Explore the ResearchIn the bustling primary schools of Baghdad, where laughter and learning intermingle, a silent health challenge affects countless young students: asthma. This chronic respiratory condition represents more than just occasional breathing difficulties—it's a leading cause of school absenteeism worldwide, disrupting education and diminishing quality of life 2 . In Iraq, where environmental factors and limited health resources compound the problem, the role of teachers in recognizing and managing asthma becomes critically important. Recent studies conducted across Iraq reveal concerning statistics about asthma prevalence and management, highlighting an urgent need for targeted awareness programs that equip educators with knowledge and practical skills to support affected students 1 3 .
Average number with asthma in a typical Baghdad classroom
Lost school days annually due to asthma globally
For the average primary school teacher in Baghdad, a typical classroom may contain several children with asthma, many undiagnosed or poorly managed. Without proper understanding of the condition, these educators may misinterpret asthma symptoms as inattention, anxiety, or simple lack of fitness.
Understanding the scale of asthma among Iraqi children begins with examining the data. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy assessed asthma prevalence across Iraq using the standardized European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire 3 . The findings provide crucial insights into the characteristics of asthma within the Iraqi population.
of Iraqi adults reported physician-diagnosed asthma
The research revealed that 10.5% of Iraqi adults reported physician-diagnosed asthma, with the most commonly reported symptom being waking due to coughing attacks (affecting 60.9% of participants) 3 . This prevalence rate indicates that asthma represents a significant health burden in Iraq, comparable to regional neighbors but with unique local factors influencing its expression and management.
To understand the daily reality for children with asthma in Baghdad, consider a focused 2025 study conducted at three major medical institutions in the city: Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Al Zahra Specialist Center for Asthma and Allergy, and the Specialist Center for Asthma and Allergy in Al Rasafah 4 . This research specifically aimed to evaluate dyspnea (shortness of breath) among asthmatic patients and examine its relationship with sociodemographic factors.
Male
Female
Urban Residents
Smokers
The high percentage of smokers (83.1%) among participants is particularly relevant for school environments, as secondhand smoke exposure represents a potent asthma trigger for children 4 . Similarly, the connection between education levels and dyspnea management suggests that health literacy plays a crucial role in effective asthma control—a consideration that extends to teachers who must recognize and respond to asthma symptoms in educational settings.
While no study has directly measured asthma knowledge among Baghdad's primary school teachers, regional research provides valuable insights. A 2019 study conducted in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia—a region with similar cultural and educational contexts—assessed primary school teachers' awareness of asthma and its management 7 . The findings reveal significant gaps that likely reflect the situation in Iraqi schools.
While 59.6% of teachers demonstrated high general asthma knowledge, only 19.4% had high knowledge about sports and asthma—a crucial consideration for physical education.
Only 6.3% of teachers had received any formal training on asthma management, despite 41.4% having asthmatic students in their classrooms.
Merely 18.2% of teachers felt they had sufficient knowledge about asthma to manage incidents effectively.
Creating optimal learning environments for children with asthma in Baghdad requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both knowledge gaps and systemic barriers. Based on research findings and established best practices, several strategies show particular promise:
Develop targeted, accessible workshops for Baghdad's primary school teachers focusing on practical asthma management. These should include recognizing early warning signs, appropriate emergency responses, and understanding how to modify activities for children with asthma without unnecessary exclusion 7 .
Schools should develop comprehensive asthma management protocols that include safe storage and access to emergency medications, identification and reduction of common asthma triggers in the school environment, and clear guidelines for handling asthma emergencies 2 .
Effective asthma management requires collaboration between families, healthcare providers, and school staff. Schools can facilitate this by maintaining open communication channels, organizing asthma education events that include parents, and ensuring that Asthma Action Plans are completed for every student with asthma .
Since research shows particular knowledge gaps regarding sports and asthma, specialized training should help teachers understand how to modify physical activities for children with asthma rather than excluding them entirely 7 . This includes recognizing exercise-induced asthma symptoms and implementing appropriate warm-up and cool-down periods.
| Resource | Function | Importance in School Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Asthma Action Plan | Individualized document outlining daily management and emergency response | Provides clear guidance for teachers and staff on specific student needs |
| Quick-Relief Inhaler | Medication for rapid symptom relief during asthma episodes | Enables immediate response to asthma symptoms before they escalate |
| Peak Flow Meter | Device measuring how well air moves out of lungs | Helps objectively assess asthma severity and identify early warning signs 6 |
| School Asthma Management Program (SAMPRO) | Comprehensive framework for coordinating care | Establishes standardized protocols across the school community |
The path toward better asthma management in Baghdad's primary schools begins with awareness and education. When teachers can recognize the signs of asthma, understand its triggers, and respond appropriately to symptoms, they do more than address a medical condition—they remove barriers to learning, reduce stigma, and create inclusive environments where all children can thrive academically and socially.
The research is clear: asthma represents a significant health and educational challenge in Iraq, but it's a challenge that can be met through targeted interventions, practical teacher training, and collaborative approaches that bridge the gap between healthcare and education 1 3 4 . By empowering Baghdad's teachers with knowledge and resources, we invest not only in the health of individual children but in the future of a generation that can breathe easier—both literally and figuratively—as they pursue their education.
References will be added here in the final publication.