Identification and Evaluation of Covid-19 Control Strategies in Kashan Schools Using SWOT and QSPM Matrix

Abstract

Background: Since the end of 2019, the emergence and spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has been raised as one of the challenges and problems of humanity in various dimensions, especially in the health sector. Due to the disease's high infectivity, controlling and breaking the chain of infection is especially important for vulnerable groups. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify and evaluate Covid-19 control strategies in schools in Kashan. Methods: The present study is descriptive-analytical, using strategic management tools called strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) and a quantitative strategic planning model (QSPM) of the situation of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Results: The findings from the SWOT matrix show the existence of 10 opportunities, 11 weaknesses, ten threats, and 14 strengths in the studied schools. The score of 2.45 obtained from the total scores of the internal factor analysis matrix indicates that existing weaknesses prevail over the schools' strengths in the disease control management field. Also, the score of 2.515 obtained from the analysis matrix of external factors shows that this institution has more favorable opportunities to reduce external threats and internal weaknesses. Conclusions: Based on these findings, the final solution for implementing the methods of controlling the disease of COVID-19 in Kashan schools is a conservative strategy. Therefore, the implementation of the presented strategies, especially the implementation of related educational guidelines, is necessary to control Covid-19.