Exploring Key Stakeholders' Perceptions of Air Quality and its Effects on Children in School Environments in Kigali, Rwanda: A qualitative study.

Background: There is limited knowledge about educational stakeholders' perceptions of air quality in school environments and its effects on schoolchildren. This study explored various perspectives of educational stakeholders, including their perceptions of air quality in school settings, the perceived effects, and the current strategies employed to enhance air quality in schools. Methods: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach. The researchers conducted a total of 16 in-depth interviews with schools and staff of the city of Kigali. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants perceive the morning and evening as the most polluted period of the day. Overcrowding, poor quality of chalk, and inadequate ventilation are perceived as the primary contributors to poor air quality within school premises. The perceived adverse effects include respiratory problems, increased absenteeism, poor school performance and school dropout. Additionally, the unavailability of well-defined air quality standards was highlighted as a barrier to achieving optimal air quality in school environments. Conclusion: This study has revealed that most educational stakeholders perceive air pollution as a significant environmental problem that adversely affects the health and comfort of schoolchildren. The study advocates for the promotion of collaborative efforts across various disciplines to formulate and implement strategies aiming at improving air quality in schools.