Assessment of Handwashing Practice and Assoiciated Factors Among Primary School Children in Sebeta Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Proper handwashing is one of the simplest, most affordable and effective means of
preventing the spread of infection. Studies have recommended handwashing as the best means of
diarrheal disease and respiratory tract infections prevention. Handwashing among school children
is influenced by different factors like socio-demographic, predisposing, reinforcing and enabling
factors. However, these factors may have not been studied well among school children as
compared to other classes of population.
Objectives: To assess handwashing practice and associated factors among primary school children
in Sebeta town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.
Methodology: Institutional based analytic cross sectional study design was employed on primary
school children in Sebeta town. Data on handwashing practice and associated factors were
collected from 426 sixth- through eighth-grade students in 6 schools via self-administered
questionnaires. School hand washing facilities inspection were also done using observation
checklist.
Result: Only one-third (32%) of participants fulfilled the criteria of proper hand washing practice
i.e. washing hand with soap always or very often before meal and after visiting toilet. Students
with positive attitude were more likely to practice proper handwashing (AOR=2.29;
95%CI=1.43, 3.66).Likewise, those who felt pressure from their important referent were two
times more likely to wash their hand (AOR=1.86; 95%CI=1.02, 3.16). Availability and
accessibility of soap for hand washing was also strongly associated with handwashing practice
(AOR=3.0695%CI=1.32, 7.05). On the other hand students from rural areas were less likely to
practice proper hand washing than their urban counter part (AOR=0.53; 95%CI=0.30, 0.94).
Conclusion and recommendation: In general this study revealed that only small proportion of
study participant practiced proper hand washing behavior and absence of adequate hygiene
facility in visited school. Place of residency, attitude, and pressure from important referents and
regular access to soap were significantly associated with hand washing. Provision of adequate
hygiene facility, further modification of attitude towards handwashing with soap and role
modeling is recommended
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Keywords
Handwashing, Primary School