COVID-19 awareness and preparedness in secondary schools, Egypt.

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for health literacy and preparedness in schools. Evaluating students' awareness and school readiness is crucial to identify gaps and guide effective interventions for safer educational environments. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP), and school environmental preparedness regarding COVID-19 among secondary school students in Desouk City, Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2022 involving 800 students from five randomly selected schools using proportional and systematic random sampling. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire and an adapted school environment inspection checklist. Participants had a mean age of 15.95 ± 1.11 years, and most were female (54.5%). The internet (58.8%) and social media (40.4%) were their main sources of COVID-19 information. While 60.6% had good knowledge about the disease, the majority demonstrated poor attitudes (52.9%) and practices (56.1%). Recognition of key symptoms like anosmia and dyspnea was relatively high. Female students and those attending a specific private school were more likely to have good knowledge. Despite satisfactory knowledge levels, gaps remain in students' attitudes and practices. Interventions tailored to their primary information sources are recommended, alongside school-level efforts to foster a health-supportive environment.