IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319 1775 Online 2320-7876

Impact Of School Health Education Program On Hygienic Practices Followed By School Going Children Of Prayagraj District

Main Article Content

Prachi Srivastava , Dr. Shikha Khare

Abstract

Personal hygiene plays main role to uphold healthy life. This study was performed to evaluate the current level of knowledge and practicing behavior among school going children in regard to hand washing, bathing, tooth brushing, and taking care of nail and hair. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 primary school students of Prayagraj district (U.P.). All the students were interviewed with a structured questionnaire (pretest). A short documentary of good and bad personal hygiene was shown on projector and explained the benefits of good personal hygiene behavior. Again same structured questionnaire was given (posttest). Results: Most of the students belonged to the 6-9 years age group. The knowledge of the students regarding general body cleanliness was 77% in posttest as compared to 38% in pretest. Keeping the finger nails trimmed was considered as a part of personal hygiene by 59% of students. Knowledge about rinsing mouth with water is good for oral hygiene is seen only in 41.5% students. Covering mouth with elbow while sneezing was seen in 77% of students. Only 52.5% of students accepted that washing the hair is part of personal hygiene (pretest) while 85.5% (posttest) children were aware of this fact. Practice regarding change of clothes was on alternate day in 50.5% of students. Most of the students were found washing their hair once a week (60.5%) and 85% students were washing hands before meal. Conclusion: Overall trend of knowledge and practice about personal hygiene was in poor condition among students at the time of pretest. Posttest results were highly satisfactory.

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