Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Hand-Washing Among Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Kajiado North Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction Despite the fact that the yearly campaign for Global Hand-washing Day primarily focuses on students as the most influential facilitators for transforming behavior, there is a scarcity of literature regarding the various school environments and their impact on hand-washing practices among secondary school students. The act of hand-washing with soap is widely recognized as a highly efficacious and cost-effective measure in the prevention of infectious illnesses. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of handwashing among students in selected secondary schools in Kajiado North Sub-County. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive research approach was employed to collect data from a sample of 16 secondary schools and 363 students. The study made use of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Results: There was a significant association between knowledge of hand-washing and handwashing (P=0.034) attitude and hand-washing (P = 0.043) hand-washing practices (P = 0.031) and factors influencing hand-washing (P= 0.031) (presence of hand-washing water), 0.025 (provision of hand-washing water and 0.042 (cleanliness of hand-washing stations). Findings revealed that 99.4% participated in the study, majority (77.8%) practiced hand-washing while 82.2% accepted that hand-washing facilities are necessary. Participants (above 80%) had a positive attitude towards hand-washing. Findings showed that presence of water for hand-washing, presence of hand-washing stations in schools, functionality of hand-washing facilities and presence of clean hand-washing stations were main factors associated with hand-washing. Conclusion, Students had knowledge about hand-washing practices, positive attitude and they practiced hand-washing in schools, but much awareness is needed. It was recommended that hand-washing practices awareness should be done in schools. Education about handwashing was suggested for schools. This study should determine if similar factors affect hand-washing practices in other institutions.