مدى تضمن كتب العلوم للمرحلة الإبتدائية في دولة الكويت لموضوعات الوقاية من الأمراض المعدية والأوبئة
This study explored the extent to which science textbooks for Kuwait’s primary school stage include health topics on prevention from infectious diseases and epidemics. The researchers used the descriptive analytical approach to achieve the objectives of the study through the use of the content analysis tool and semi-structured interviews. The researchers designed a content analysis tool through reference to previous studies and theoretical literature. It is a list of study topics that can be included in the content of science curricula, which may contribute to educating students and increasing health awareness about the prevention of infectious diseases and epidemics. The content analysis included all science textbooks in all primary grades (from first to fifth) for the first and second semesters, in addition to semi-structured interviews with (12) primary stage science teachers. The results of the study showed the limited study subjects related to the preservation of health from infectious diseases and epidemics in science textbooks for the primary school stage in the State of Kuwait. There were only 8 study topics related to infectious diseases and their prevention (cold symptoms, cleaning hands, healthy food, health care, vaccination, infectious disease, health system and WHO) out of 213 lessons, which is equivalent to only (3.8%) of science lessons at the primary stage. The results also showed the emphasis of science teachers on the importance of science textbooks to include subjects that contribute to teaching students the importance of preventing infectious diseases and how to deal with epidemics, because of this subject’s positive role in shaping a healthy culture and behavior among students that will be reflected in the future society’s behavior. The study presents a set of recommendations on the importance of including in the content of science curricula subjects related to preserving health from infectious diseases and epidemics, and how to protect oneself and prevent their spread in society. (Published abstract)