Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Background: Provision of handwashing facilities and proper practices are essential for preventing fecal-oral and acute respiratory infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to assess availability of handwashing facilities and predictors to students’ good hygiene practices in Addis Ababa, Ethiop...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SAGE Publishing
2023-02-01
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| Series: | Environmental Health Insights |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302231156299 |
| _version_ | 1828005035838013440 |
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| author | Abayneh Melaku Taffere Addis |
| author_facet | Abayneh Melaku Taffere Addis |
| author_sort | Abayneh Melaku |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Provision of handwashing facilities and proper practices are essential for preventing fecal-oral and acute respiratory infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to assess availability of handwashing facilities and predictors to students’ good hygiene practices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A mixed-methods study design was conducted in schools of Addis Ababa from January to March 2020 in 384 students, 98 school directors, 6 health clubs, and 6 school administrators. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires, interview guide, and observational checklists. The quantitative data were entered into EPI Info version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. A bivariable at P < .2 and multivariable logistic regression analysis at P < .05 for quantitative and thematic analysis for qualitative data were used. Results: Handwashing stations were available in 85 (86.7%) of the schools. However, 16 (16.3%) schools had neither water nor soap near the handwashing facilities while 33 (38.8%) of schools had both. There was no high school that had both soap and water. Approximately one-third (135, 35.2%) of students practiced proper handwashing, among which 89 (65.9%) were from private schools. The handwashing practices were significantly associated with gender (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: (1.66-3.59)), having trained coordinator (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: (1.32-2.48)) and health education program (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI: (1.73-3.59)), school ownership (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: (0.33-0.72)), and training (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: (1.82-3.69)). Water supply interruption, and lack of budget, adequate space, training, health education, maintenance, and coordination were the main barriers that prevent students from practicing proper handwashing. Conclusions: Handwashing facilities and materials provision and good handwashing practices of students were low. Moreover, providing soap and water for handwashing was insufficient to promote good hygiene practices. There should be regular hygiene education, training, maintenance, and better coordination among stakeholders to create a healthy school environment. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-10T07:23:44Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-2387b252ec1846fba85ddb396dedc454 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1178-6302 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-10T07:23:44Z |
| publishDate | 2023-02-01 |
| publisher | SAGE Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Environmental Health Insights |
| spelling | doaj.art-2387b252ec1846fba85ddb396dedc4542023-02-24T09:33:52ZengSAGE PublishingEnvironmental Health Insights1178-63022023-02-011710.1177/11786302231156299Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaAbayneh MelakuTaffere AddisBackground: Provision of handwashing facilities and proper practices are essential for preventing fecal-oral and acute respiratory infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to assess availability of handwashing facilities and predictors to students’ good hygiene practices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A mixed-methods study design was conducted in schools of Addis Ababa from January to March 2020 in 384 students, 98 school directors, 6 health clubs, and 6 school administrators. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires, interview guide, and observational checklists. The quantitative data were entered into EPI Info version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. A bivariable at P < .2 and multivariable logistic regression analysis at P < .05 for quantitative and thematic analysis for qualitative data were used. Results: Handwashing stations were available in 85 (86.7%) of the schools. However, 16 (16.3%) schools had neither water nor soap near the handwashing facilities while 33 (38.8%) of schools had both. There was no high school that had both soap and water. Approximately one-third (135, 35.2%) of students practiced proper handwashing, among which 89 (65.9%) were from private schools. The handwashing practices were significantly associated with gender (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: (1.66-3.59)), having trained coordinator (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: (1.32-2.48)) and health education program (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI: (1.73-3.59)), school ownership (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: (0.33-0.72)), and training (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: (1.82-3.69)). Water supply interruption, and lack of budget, adequate space, training, health education, maintenance, and coordination were the main barriers that prevent students from practicing proper handwashing. Conclusions: Handwashing facilities and materials provision and good handwashing practices of students were low. Moreover, providing soap and water for handwashing was insufficient to promote good hygiene practices. There should be regular hygiene education, training, maintenance, and better coordination among stakeholders to create a healthy school environment.https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302231156299 |
| spellingShingle | Abayneh Melaku Taffere Addis Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Environmental Health Insights |
| title | Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| title_full | Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| title_fullStr | Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| title_full_unstemmed | Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| title_short | Handwashing Practices and Associated Factors Among School Children in Kirkos and Akaki Kality Sub-Cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| title_sort | handwashing practices and associated factors among school children in kirkos and akaki kality sub cities addis ababa ethiopia |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302231156299 |
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