Analysis of the Indoor Microclimate in Classrooms of the International Medical Faculty
1. Yrysbaev Erzamat
2. Rani Sadaf
Abu Hamza
Mohd Mustfa
Mohd Shadan
Asadullah Nafees
(1. Lecturer, International Medical Faculty, Osh State University, Osh, Kyrgyz Republic
2. Students, International Medical Faculty, Osh State University, Osh, Kyrgyz Republic.)
Abstract
Classroom indoor environments significantly influence students’ comfort, health, and cognitive performance. Medical students spend extended periods in lecture halls, making them particularly susceptible to suboptimal indoor conditions, such as poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, or imbalanced humidity. Despite global standards for indoor environmental quality, comprehensive studies in medical faculties remain limited.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate key microclimate parameters in classrooms of the International Medical Faculty and assess their adherence to recommended hygienic and ergonomic standards.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 12 lecture halls and seminar rooms. Measurements included air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration during active teaching hours. Data were analyzed descriptively and compared with WHO and national standards for educational institutions.
Results: Temperature was maintained within recommended limits in 75% of classrooms. Relative humidity fell below optimal levels in 58% of rooms, particularly during winter months. Elevated CO₂ concentrations (>1000 ppm) were recorded in 67% of classrooms during peak occupancy, indicating insufficient ventilation.
Conclusion: While thermal conditions were largely acceptable, inadequate humidity and elevated CO₂ levels may negatively impact students’ health and academic performance. Enhancing ventilation, controlling humidity, and regular monitoring are recommended to optimize the learning environment.
Keywords: Indoor microclimate; Classroom environment; Medical education; Air quality; CO₂ concentration; Thermal comfort; Ventilation
Introduction
Indoor environmental quality is a critical factor influencing both health and learning outcomes in educational institutions. Classrooms are occupied for extended periods, especially by medical students who face intensive theoretical instruction and cognitive demands. Parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and chemical composition—including CO₂ concentration—constitute the indoor microclimate, collectively affecting physiological comfort and cognitive function.
Excessively high CO₂ levels and low humidity are associated with fatigue, reduced attention, headaches, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses. International guidelines, including those from WHO and ASHRAE, provide reference values for indoor air quality and thermal comfort to ensure safe and productive learning environments. Despite these standards, classrooms in many medical faculties fail to maintain optimal environmental conditions, often due to inadequate ventilation, overcrowding, or building design limitations.
The International Medical Faculty hosts a large and diverse student population. Monitoring and managing the indoor microclimate is vital to safeguard students’ well-being and academic performance.
Aim of the Study: To assess the indoor microclimate in classrooms of the International Medical Faculty and determine compliance with hygienic standards.
Materials and Methods
Study Design and Setting
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 12 classrooms of the International Medical Faculty over a three-month period during active lectures.
Study Population
● Classrooms assessed: 12 (lecture halls and seminar rooms)
● Occupancy range: 30–120 students
● Measurement times: Morning (09:00–11:00) and afternoon (13:00–15:00)
Parameters and Measurement Tools
Measurements were recorded at a height of 1.1–1.5 m from the floor, representing the typical breathing zone of seated students.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion:
● Classrooms actively used for lectures
● Occupancy ≥70%
Exclusion:
● Laboratories or clinical skill rooms
● Classrooms under renovation
● Measurements outside lecture hours
Data Analysis
Descriptive statistics were applied, including mean, standard deviation, and compliance percentages. All results were compared to WHO and national indoor air quality standards.
Ethical Considerations
The study involved environmental measurements only. Administrative permission was obtained; no human subjects were directly involved.
Results
Air Temperature
Average air temperatures ranged from 20.8°C to 24.6°C.
Relative Humidity
Relative humidity varied between 28% and 65%.
Low humidity was particularly prevalent in winter due to indoor heating.
Air Velocity
Air velocity ranged between 0.05–0.3 m/s, within acceptable limits in most classrooms. Poor air circulation was noted in rooms lacking mechanical ventilation.
Elevated CO₂ levels, reaching up to 2100 ppm, were observed during full occupancy, indicating insufficient ventilation.
Discussion
The study demonstrates that classroom temperature was generally maintained within recommended limits, but significant deviations were observed in humidity and CO₂ concentrations. Low humidity can cause mucosal irritation and increase respiratory susceptibility. Elevated CO₂ levels were consistent with reduced ventilation and are known to impair cognitive function, alertness, and learning efficiency.
These findings align with previous international studies, emphasizing the importance of environmental monitoring and infrastructure optimization in educational settings. Strengths of this study include standardized measurements during actual lectures. Limitations include a relatively small sample size and the absence of seasonal variation analysis.
Conclusion
The interior microclimate of classrooms at the International Medical Faculty shows partial compliance with hygienic standards. While temperature control is adequate, low humidity and high CO₂ levels may negatively affect student comfort, health, and academic performance. Targeted interventions are required.
Recommendations
Ventilation Improvement: Installation or upgrade of mechanical ventilation systems.
Humidity Management: Use of humidifiers during low-humidity periods.
Regular Monitoring: Routine measurement of indoor environmental parameters.
Occupancy Management: Avoid overcrowding during lectures.
Future Research: Longitudinal studies assessing seasonal variations and academic impact.
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