title: Factors influencing school closure and dismissal decisions: influenza A (H1N1), Michigan 2009.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In fall 2009, many US communities experienced school closures during the influenza A H1N1 pandemic (pH1N1) and the state of Michigan reported 567 closures. We conducted an investigation in Michigan to describe pH1N1-related school policies, practices, and identify factors related to school closures.
  
  
  METHODS
  We distributed an online survey to all Michigan K-12 school principals. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests summarize school policies, practices, adherence to government guidelines, and differences between schools that closed and those that remained open during the pandemic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 4441 traditional K-12 Michigan schools, 937 (21%) principals responded to our survey representing approximately 374,000 students and 17,700 teachers. The majority (88%) of schools had influenza preparedness plans and followed government school influenza guidelines. Among respondents, 15% (137/937) of schools closed in fall 2009 with high absenteeism as the primary reason for closure. Schools that closed reported significant illness in their school, had <300 students, and had invested substantial resources preparing and responding to influenza.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adherence to government guidelines for schools appears high in Michigan. Closures occurred in schools that reported significant illness and were likely motivated by excessive absenteeism. Understanding factors related to closures during pH1N1 may inform future pandemic preparedness efforts.
authors: Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, (igb7@cdc.gov), National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, MS K-26, Chamblee, GA 30341.
authors: Carrie A
authors: CA
authors: Dooyema
authors: Daphne
authors: D
authors: Copeland
authors: Julie R
authors: JR
authors: Sinclair
authors: Jianrong
authors: J
authors: Shi
authors: Melinda
authors: M
authors: Wilkins
authors: Eden
authors: E
authors: Wells
authors: Jim
authors: J
authors: Collins
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006078:Government Programs; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D058873:Pandemics / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: Michigan; influenza; non-pharmaceutical interventions; pandemic flu; school closure policy