Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation for Hygiene Behaviour among Secondary School Students in Awka South Local Government, Anambra State

Abstract

This study investigated participatory hygiene and sanitation transformation for hygiene behaviour among secondary school students in Awka, Awka South local government area, Anambra State. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Two research questions guided the study. The population for the study comprised 11,266 public secondary school students in the 18 public secondary schools in Awka, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. A sample size of 200 secondary school students was selected for the study using multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection was a 19- item structured test on Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation for Hygiene Behaviour Questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was established using split half method, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.801. Data analysis was done using frequency and percentage. Findings revealed that secondary school students in Awka, Awka South LGA displayed very low knowledge that drying of hands hygienically after washing them prevent germs. However, students displayed very high knowledge that washing hands can prevent the spread of germs and diseases. The study further found out that students have very high knowledge that washing of hands after using the toilet can decrease the risk of diarrheal. It was also found out in the study that students do not perceive that poor hygiene affect one’s mental health, Furthermore, the study found out that students have very low knowledge that poor fingernail hygiene can cause fungi infections. Based on these findings, the study recommended among others that efforts should be made by the school authorities to enlighten studies that poor hygiene can affect their mental health as this can lead to poor academic performance and absenteeism. Students should also be enlightened more on the impact of washing of hands and adhere to strict sanitation practices, Health education should be ensured, and hygiene clubs formed.