A Study on the Hand Washing Awareness Among the Grade 8 Students of STC

-----------------
A Research
Presented
To the
Faculty of St. Theresa's College
High School Department
Cebu City Philippines
------------------
In Partial Fulfilment
Of the
Requirements for Science
In GRADE 8
----------------
By:
DAGAMI, AMADO
FLORO, WAYNE
ALVARO, KAYLA
DING, JULIANNE
HERNANDO, FIONA
ROSARIO, PRINCESS

April 2018
 CHAPTER 1

Introduction

A. Background of the Study

It has been noted that hand washing is a milestone in infectious disease control,

and promotion of improved hand hygiene has been recognized as an important public

health measure (Sultana et al., 2016). In spite of the fact that the procedures associated

with hand cleanliness are simple, however, consistence to these proposals is poor

worldwide. Since the hands get microorganisms in various ways, it is, however, ideal to

have a standard hand cleaning. Infectious diseases are as yet the most widely

recognized and common group of deadly diseases (Ergin et al., 2010). As indicated by a

study directed in Turkey, yearly, more than 3.5 million youngsters die from diarrhea and

acute lower respiratory-tract infections. Legitimate hand-washing would be a huge

lessening in the rate of these illnesses.

Its significance was first found in a maternity center in Vienna in 1847. It was

uncovered that cleaning hands by medicinal workforce decreased maternal death rate.

Other studies have shown that hand-washing keeps the spread of infectious diseases.

To prove this, a meta-analysis reported that inability to washing hands expanded

diarrheal ailments 1.8 times. Furthermore, washing of hands can diminish the dangers

of serious intestinal diseases and shigellosis up to 48% and 59%, individually.It

additionally could turn avert million diarrheal deaths yearly.

1
 An interventional study showed that children younger than 15 years living in

families that got hand washing advancement and plain soap had a 53% lower

occurrence of looseness of the bowels than the controls. Another meta-analysis

revealed that every qualified investigation demonstrated a 6.0 to 44.0% decrease in

respiratory illnesses with the guide of appropriate hand washing. Moreover, it was

proven that hand hygiene educational interventions strongly affect the prevention of

these sicknesses (Entin, 2012). As of now, proper hand washing isn't as across the board

as required around the world. Several reports state that the frequency of hand washing

with soap before handling food or after the restroom was observed in only between 0%

and 34.0% cases across the country.

To improve the situation, Center for Disease Control and Association for

Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology have created guidelines for hand

washing. Furthermore, UNICEF has been declaring October 15 since 2008 as the Global

Hand Washing Day keeping in mind the end goal to highlight the need for hand washing.

In the local setting, Philippines is actively promoting hand hygiene with the help of the

Department of Health and the Department of Education among citizens as well as the

students. The researchers wanted to investigate the hand washing awareness of the

grade 8 Theresians through conducting a survey.

2
B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the hand washing awareness among the grade 8

students of STC , specifically in terms of

 frequency of compliance

 level of awareness

 practices

C. Hypothesis

The grade 8 students of STC are aware of hand washing in terms of frequency of

compliance, level of awareness and practices.

D. Significance of the Study

General Statement:

This study will benefit the ff:

 Students

The results derived from the survey will help students lower their risk of

respiratory-tract infections, intestinal problems, diarrheal diseases and other

infectious diseases by complying with the techniques of handwashing. They will

be motivated to be more conscious of their health status.

3
• Teachers

The results derived from the survey will pave a way for teachers to encourage

the students to wash their hands consistently especially after contact with

contaminated objects so as not to infect other anyone in the institution. They

will also be inspired to act as a role model for the students to follow in

cultivating a healthy lifestyle through performing proper hand washing.

• Parents

The results derived from the survey will help parents constantly remind their

children the importance of hand washing anywhere, may it be at home, school

or in the community. They also have to share their role to protect the child and

establish a partnership with healthcare workers to deliver safe care to the child,

including undertaking good hand hygiene practices.

• Health Care Providers

The results derived from the survey will help health care providers educate

everyone specifically the youth who aren’t fully aware of the important points in

hand washing. They are the driving force of the students in keeping a healthy

lifestyle in which hand hygiene is greatly observed.

• Future Researchers

The results derived from the survey will inspire future researches in formulating

new techniques in hand washing for everyone’s benefit. They will be challenged

to foster new ideas specifically in the practices in hand hygiene.

4
E. Operational Definition of Terms

 Microorganisms- a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or

fungus.

 Meta-analysis - a subset of systematic reviews ; statistical procedure for

combining data from multiple studies when the treatment effect is consistent

from one study to the next.

 Shigellosis - an intestinal disease caused by a family of bacteria known as Shigella

which develops diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps in patients.

 Interventional- pertaining to the act of intervening, interfering or interceding

with the intent of modifying the outcome; action taken to improve a situation,

especially a medical disorder.

 Gastrointestinal- relating to the stomach and the intestines.

5
 CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature

Hand washing is a simple yet crucial conduct in hospitals, medical facilities and

school establishments (Morgan, 2017). It has been stressed that hand hygiene is the

most effective intervention to reduce transmission of infections and resistant germs

(World Health Organization, 2017). Although it is known to be a life-saving and cost-

effective means of preventing communicable diseases, adherence to this is very low

at only 39 % worldwide. In light of this, the World Health Organization suggests that

compliance can be improved through access to alcohol-based hand rub solution and

washing facilities, proper training and education, consistent monitoring and feed

backing, availability of visual reminders and promoting everyone’s safety culture.

It has been regarded that hands are the primary disease vectors carrying

respiratory microorganism shed from nose, mouth or anus to the nasal mucosa,

conjunctiva or mouth of new hosts. Fecal-oral sicknesses transmission amongst students

is especially because of unhygienic hands (Journal of Nursing and Health Technology,

2014). Approximately, there are 1,500 bacteria per square centimeter of skin on your

hand and one of the best approach to prevent infectious disease is to wash your hands

with soap and water (Bailey, 2017). Germs, including bacteria and viruses, typically

reside on everyday objects such as gadgets and shopping carts may be transferred

from contaminated objects on your palms when you touch them. The leading cause of

disease in humans are pathogens, viruses, fungi and other germs.

6
 Once inside the body, the germs weakens the body's immune

system and produces toxins that make you sick.

Microorganisms, viruses and parasites are the most common causes of

foodborne diseases and food poisoning. Reactions to germs such as MRSA, Clostridium

difficile , E. coli and Salmonella can lead to mild gastric discomfort and diarrhea and

worse, death. Properly washing and drying your hands reduces your risk of getting sick

with diarrhea by 33 percent, having diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune

systems by 58% (Huang & Zhou ,2007), and respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the

general population by 16-21% (Aiello et al., 2008). A study by the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2003 determined whether proper hygiene can

successfully avert diarrhea in children. The results showed that children whose

families were exposed to nine months of a hand washing promotion scored better

across five areas of development: cognitive, communication, motor, personal-social and

adaptive (CDC, 2015). Furthermore, it also prevents eye infections such as such as

trachoma. It can additionally lower the probability of contracting conjunctivitis, or pink

eye (Morgan 2017). Handwashing more than six times a day with soap and water is

considered the basic hygiene minimum by the Global Hygiene Council. Seven times a

day isn't really asking much – at least 10 times is a better goal. People who wash their

hands more than six times a day tend to suffer less frequently from infectious diseases.

There are certain rules to follow when washings hands. Some of these are, using

clean, running water, removing accessories (e.g. wrist watch, rings and bracelets),

7
rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds or two rounds of the song “Happy Birthday”

(Blank Children's Hospital , 2014; Ergin et al., 2010) which includes scrubbing all surfaces

including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your

fingernails , rinsing of hands thoroughly and drying it with a clean towel (Mayo Clinic

Staff, 2016). A new study finds that water temperature doesn’t correlate with the

degree of removed germs from the skin (Holohan, 2017). According to Donald Schaffner,

professor and author of the study , that whether you use a 60-degree Fahrenheit or 100-

degree Fahrenheit temperature or something in between ,none of those temperatures

had a remarkable different effect than the other since they were all effective in

removing bacteria from the hand (2017).

Another researcher Dr. Raymond Pontzer, director of infection prevention for

UPMC in Pittsburgh, who was not involved in the study have noted that water works as

a physical cleanser and washes the organisms and microbes off the hands(2017). In the

interim, there is no evidence that the actual temperature of the water has anything to

do with the microbial properties of hand washing .Despite the dubiety ,some public

health organizations still recommend, "elevated water temperature." The FDA Food

Code for example, an enforcer in health standards in restaurants recommends the ,

"hand washing sink be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 100°F or

38°C." Therefore, water temperature should be comfortable to encourage frequent

hand washing with mild, but effective soaps. Hence, ardent and vigorous hand

washing is the preferred method.

8
 It is a must to wash your hands before and after eating , using the restroom and

caring for a sick person. Moreover, washing of hands should be observed after using

public transportation, money exchange, having soiled hands, and cleaning the house like

doing the laundry and dishes (Ergin et. al., 2010), touching animals , blowing your nose,

coughing, or sneezing( CDC ,2016), handshaking ,touching garbage and using gadgets

(WebMD ,2016).

Absenteeism is a prime dilemma among students, with approximately 75% of all

school absences attributed to illness (Lau & Springston ,2012). Techincally, infection -

associated absences have been shown to cause poor educational and financial results.

For example, a sick child may not be able to cope up with the school demands and suffer

academically (American Educational Research Journal, 2010). Due to exposure, teacher

absences may result to delay learning in the classroom (Miller,Murnane, & Willett,

2008). Finally, economical status is greatly affected when schools lose public funding

due to constant absenteeism. Poor health among students is resulted from the lack of

knowledge of the health advantages of personal hygiene. Factors such as time

constraints and the lack of sinks in most school institutions are the obstacles in

perfoming hand hygiene practices. The origins of multiple illnesses of adulthood also

have their roots within the health behaviors of early youth. But, a majority of the

childhood illnesses are preventable by the promotion of hygienic practices among

students through proper health education by parents and teachers (J Prev Med Hyg.,

2013).

9
 Both hand washing and hand sanitizing have been shown effective to this major

problem. Educational interventions on hand washing have shown to significantly lessen

illness-related absences in elementary school students by as much as 26% (Bus, 2009) ,

and notably lessen a subset of illness-associated absences (e.g. gastrointestinal

ailments) by as much as 32%. Soap and water are an exceptional component of hand

hygiene program to reduce the risk of contamination through hand contact. Hand

sanitizers were proven to be an effective alternative to conventional hand washing

when hands are not visibly dirty, with one study showing a 51% decrease in illness-

related absences compared to conventional hand washing practices (Sandora, Shih , &

Goldmann 2008 ; Stebbins et al., 2011).

In the Philippines, a joint initiative of two international non-governmental

organizations - ACTED and IMPACT Initiatives - and the UN Operational Satellite

Applications Programme (UNOSAT) coined as REACH has conducted a large-scale study

to pave way to the development of best practices for sustainable change in sanitation

and hygiene behavior in the Philippines. This appraisal was administered from

September and November 2014 which filled in as a gauge for the UNICEF funded

Philippine Approach to Total Sanitation (PhATS) program, which expects to accomplish

all inclusive access to sheltered and sufficient sanitation conveniences in the nation by

2028. It inspected knowledge, attitudes and practices related to water, hygiene and

sanitation. A study of 3,025 family units in over six regions: Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte,

Cebu, Capiz and Iloilo was incorporated into the investigation. Aside from the

significant variation between the six provinces, it uncovered a high general level of

10
cleanliness of hygiene awareness and knowledge. It demonstrated that an expected

93% of the populace in PhATS venture regions were utilizing an enhanced source of

drinking water at the household level. Be that as it may, key gaps incorporated the

need to bring issues to light on adequate/inadequate methods of water treatment and

on the link between unsafe water and health risks other than diarrhea. While an

estimated 89% of families in the project areas were using an improved sanitation

facility, 17% were found to be practicing open defecation. This fluctuated fundamentally

by region, with up to 42% of families in Cebu province having at least one member

practicing open defecation, but did not drop below 13%. Nevertheless, the baseline data

indicated that awareness of the health risks of open defecation was already high across

all project areas; which proposes that it might be helpful to concentrate informing on

non-medical advantages of toilets, such as esteem, security, comfort and well-being.

Accordingly, tending to these water supply issues could be a useful strategy.

Furthermore, the assessment emphasized the role of teachers as vital actors in curbing

open defecation, recommending that it might be helpful to have more extensive teacher

consultation and training on these issues, and to create ways to deal with working

intimately with instructors towards zero open defecation. In line with this, the

Department of Education (DepEd), together with the Department of Health (DOH)

annually spearhead the celebration of Global Hand Washing Day on October 15 since

2008. This celebration not only targets on raising awareness on the significance of

washing hands with soap, yet additionally intends to support interest in worldwide hand

washing efforts and uphold the well-being of students.

 CHAPTER 3

Methodology

A. Research Locale

This study was conducted in Saint Theresa’s College of Cebu. The school has

provided many washrooms that are within the student’s reach and are near each

grade level’s classrooms. It has a separate washroom for both male and

female. In each washroom, there are about 2-3 sinks.

B. Research Respondents

The respondents in this study are the 138 grade 8 students of the institution.

With each one having different preferences, skills and interests, the said

respondents could help the researchers gain reliable results that can be useful

for the future researchers and readers.

C. Materials

1.) Questionnaire Checklist. The questionnaire-checklist is the main instrument

used in the gathering of data. These will be handed out to the 144 grade 8

respondents. The questionnaire contains demographic characteristics of the

respondent such as gender and age. It also contains a list of the different

assessments on the respondent’s level of awareness, practices, and frequency

of compliance in hand washing. The researchers based the questionnaire on a

previous study entitled: “Evaluation of Students’ Social Hand Washing

12
 Knowledge, Practices, and Skills in a University Setting ” by Ergin et al. which

was conducted in Turkey on 2010.

Sample Questionnaire Checklist :

A Study on the Hand-washing Awareness Among the Grade 8 Students of STC

Number code: _____________ Gender: _________

Section: ____ Age: _____

Directions: Please fill up the checklist by checking your corresponding answers. Make

sure not to skip any item. Answer as honestly as possible.

A. Frequency of Compliance

Questions Choices
Never
1-2 times
How many times do you wash your hands on a daily 3-5 times
6-10 times
basis? 11 and over
Far from the sink
No need
No time
Main reason for skipping hand washing Keep forgetting
Others
B. Level of Awareness

13
Do not
When washing/cleaning hands… Agree Disagree
know
1.)Use clean, running water
2.)Cold water should be used
3.)Lukewarm/medium hot water should be used
 4.)Hot water should be used
5.)Remove jewelry ,rings, watches and etc.
6.)Using soap and water is the best and proper method
7.)Hand sanitizers are substitute for on-the-go cleaning

when soap and water aren't available,

8.)Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds
9.)Rinse your hands thoroughly
10.)Drying is needed after hand washing
C. Practices

I wash my hands… Always Sometimes Never

1.)Before meals
2.)After meals
3.)Before using the restroom
4.)After using the restroom
5.)After using public transportation
6.)After touching animals
7.)Before touching sick people
8.)After touching sick people
9.)After touching garbage
14
10.)After using gadgets
11.)After holding money
12.)After blowing nose, coughing or sneezing
13.)After handshaking
14.)When my hands are soiled
15.) After cleaning my home (e.g.laundry ,

dishes , dusting etc.)

2.) Request Letter. The researchers will ask for a consent from the Junior High

School principal, Mme. Giberson to conduct their survey during the Homeroom period

of each grade 8 class.

D. Procedure

For the procedure, the researchers prepared a questionnaire checklist based

from a previous study by Ergin et al. Through a request letter intended for the
Junior High School Principal, they will be able to conduct their survey during the

Homeroom classes of each section before they can finally able to produce

enough copies of the questionnaire for the respondents. Next to that , they will

visit each grade 8 class and give a briefing about their survey. By then, they will

hand out the questionnaires to the respondents. The respondents will be given

only 15 minutes to complete their answers. After data gathering, the researchers

will collect it for tallying the responses and to apply the statistical treatment

to be used with the study.

 CHAPTER 4

Results and Discussions 16

A. Results

Out of the 138 students, 86 or almost 60% of which wash their hands 6-10

times on a daily basis. No one among the respondents never wash their hands every

day. Only four students wash their hands 11 times and over. Almost half of the grade 8

students cited forgetfulness as their main reason for skipping handwashing. The second

reason with the most number of responses is being far from the sink. Twelve students

gave other reasons aside from the given such as laziness and not having the will to wash

their hands.
 90

80

70

60 Number of
times
50
Frequency of Responses
40

30

20

10

0
Never 1-2 times 3-5 times 6-10 times 11 and over

17
Frequency of Responses

70

60

50
Reasons
40

30

20

10

0
Far from the Sink No need No time Keep forgetting Others
 136 students ,almost 99 percent of the population agree that clean and

running water should be used and the best method in cleaning hands is by using water

and soap. However, 2 respondents said that they don’t know if clean water should be

utilized in handwashing. Although almost three-fifths of the population agree that

lukewarm water should be used,three-fifths also do not know if cold water should be

used. More than half of the grade 8 students disagree to use hot water in hand hygiene.

121 respondents which makes more than four-fifths of the population agree in removing

jewelries when washing hands ,using hand sanitizers as substitute for the conventional

water and soap tandem and having the need to dry the hands after washing it. However,

fifteen percent when combined, disagrees and doesn’t know if hand-sanitizers can be

used in the absence of soap and water. 95 students agree to rub the hands for at least

18
20 seconds with only 11 students disagreeing and 32 not knowing what is the right

thing to do. 134 students or nine out of ten students agree in rinsing the hands

thoroughly with only 2 students disagreeing and 2 not knowing.

140
120
100
80
Frequency of Responses
60
Agree
40 Disagree
Do not Know
20
0
 140
120
100
80
Frequency of Responses
60
Agree
40 Disagree
20 Do not Know
0

More than half of the students always was their hands before
19
meals,after using the restroom ,after touching animals and sick people,after blowing

nose and cleaning their own houses. 9 out of 10 respondents always wash their hands

after touching garbage with 6 students doing it sometimes and 2 for never.

Consequently, 73 students wash their hands sometimes after meals, 82 for before using

the restroom , 70 for after using public transportation, 74 for after using gadgets 69

after money exchange, and 73 for handshaking making it almost 60 percent of the over-

all population. None of the students never wash their hands after using the restroom

and when their hands are soiled. 57 students never wash their hands after handshaking.

Frequency of Responses
120

100

80
Always
60 Sometimes

Never
40

20

0
Before Meals After Meals Before using the After using the After using
restroom restroom public
transportation
 140

120

100

80

60 Always
Frequency of Responses Sometimes
40 Never

20

Fig.6. Continuation on the Respondents’ Answer on Handwashing Practices

120

100

80
Always

60 Sometimes
Frequency of Responses Never
40

20

Fig.7.Continuation on the Respondents’ Answer on Handwashing Practices

21
B. Discussions

This study examined the grade 8 students’ handwashing awareness in

terms of frequency of compliance,level of awareness and practices. Based on Fig. 1

most of the grade 8 students wash their hands 3-5 times. The second highest number of

times the respondents wash their hands is 6-10 times followed by 1-2 times. This shows

that majority of the partipants don’t comply to the standard number of times in washing

of hands since the ideal frequency of washing hands is 6 times a day or more. These

findings may indicate a need of an extensive public health education program on the

topic.

Our study indicated that the main reasons for skipping were the

participant’s forgetfulness. This shouldn’t be since the participants are still young and it

has been always known that younger people have the better memory.Other main

reasons were the participant being far from the sink and their believes of “no time” and

“no need.” Since the students are at school most of the time during their waking hours,

maybe the comfort room has a great distance from their respective classroom.

The highest number of participants in this study correctly stated that

clean and running water should be used and the best method in cleaning hands is by

using water and soap. Surprisingly, there were 2 respondents who stated that they

don’t know if clean water should be utilized in handwashing. Even if this is just a small

percentage among the over-all population, it is another sign that educational supplies

should be given to the students so that everyone will know the right and basic principles

22
in handwashing. However, most of them did not know that according to a new study ,

water temperature doesn’t correlate with the degree of removed germs from the skin

(Holohan, 2017). Fortunately, majority of the population agree in removing jewelries

when washing hands ,using hand sanitizers as substitute for the conventional water and

soap tandem ,rubbing hands for at least 20 seconds ,rinsing it after and having the need

to dry the hands after washing it. However, there were still students who disageed and

don’t know the obvious and right idea in promoting hand washing.

According to figure 5,6 and 7, the high number of participants stated that

they wash their hands after before meals, using the restroom, after touching animals ,

before and after touching sick people,after touching garbage ,after blowing

nose,coughing and sneezing,when their hands are soiled and after cleaning their home.

Most of the participants also cited that they only wash their hands sometimes after

meals,before using the restroom, after using public transportation, after using gadgets,

after holding money and after handshaking. Surprisingly, number of participants who

claimed that ‘washing hands after using the toilet’ was higher than washing hands

before meals. Participants who responded in never washing their hands after using

gadgets is higher than always washing hands after using it. The same is true with the

respondents’ practice after handshaking. Never washing their hands after handshaking

has a very high response than always washing hands after doing it. There were

partcipants who also stated that they never wash their hands before using the

restroom, after using the public transportation, before and after touching sick 23
people
and after money exchange. Although the responses are encouraging, the response of

sometimes and never is still a cause of concern. Diseases doesn’t choose anyone at

anytime. Again, these fIndings suggest that there’s a need to have an intervention by

means of educational materials.

24
C. Conclusion

In summary, the majority grade 8 students are not practicing the ideal number

of times to wash the hands. Their main reason for not complying is forgetfulness.Also,

even if majority of the population has the right level of awareness about the different

ideas in promoting handwashing, many don’t know that there is no relationship

between the water temperature and the killing of the pathogens in the hands. Lastly, for

the practices in handwashing it is safe to say that not majority of the population are

practicing the right time to wash their hands. Therefore, the grade 8 students are not

fully aware of hand washing in terms of frequency of compliance, level of awareness

and practices. This study recommends Saint Theresa’s College Cebu to provide sufficient

soaps for each restroom or hand sanitizers so that the students can comply to the

handwashing techniques especially during their waking hours. In addition, seminars and

talks about this topic must also be conducted to have an improvement on the students’

perception on handwashing and so that they won’t take its importance for granted.

Educational tools such as posters places on comfort rooms can also help in the increase

the students’ compliance in handwashing. The researchers also recommend for further

future researches among the different grade levels to have a better comparison of

progress and improvement.

25
 CHAPTER 5

Appendix

1.)Questionnaire

A Study on the Hand-washing Awareness Among the Grade 8 Students of STC

Number code: _____________ Gender: _________

Section: ____ Age: _____
Directions: Please fill up the checklist by checking your corresponding answers. Make
sure not to skip any item. Answer only once. Answer as honestly as possible.

A. Frequency of Compliance

Question Choices
Never
1-2 times
How many times do you wash your hands on a daily 3-5 times
basis? 6-10 times
11 and over
Far from the sink
No need
No time
Main reason for skipping hand washing Keep forgetting
Others

B. Level of Awareness

Do not
When washing/cleaning hands… Agree Disagree
know
1.)Use clean, running water
2.)Cold water should be used
3.)Lukewarm/medium hot water should be used
4.)Hot water should be used
5.)Remove jewelry ,rings, watches and etc.
6.)Using soap and water is the best and proper method

26
 7.)Hand sanitizers are substitute for on-the-go cleaning
when soap and water aren't available,
8.)Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds
9.)Rinse your hands thoroughly
10.)Drying is needed after hand washing

C. Practices

I wash my hands… Always Sometimes Never

1.)Before meals
2.)After meals
3.)Before using the restroom
4.)After using the restroom
5.)After using public transportation
6.)After touching animals
7.)Before touching sick people
8.)After touching sick people
9.)After touching garbage
10.)After using gadgets
11.)After holding money
12.)After blowing nose, coughing or sneezing
13.)After handshaking
14.)When my hands are soiled
15.) After cleaning my home (e.g.laundry ,
dishes , dusting etc.)

2.) Request letter

27
 3.) Documentation

One of the researcher is administering the

The researchers working together to tally the data survey to 8D

The researchers are working together to tally the

A student from 8D answers the survey
data with the supervision of Ms.Pagal

Two of the reseacrhes are administering the

Students from 8C are answering the survey survey to 8C

28
4.)

Table 1. Frequency of Distribution of Demographic Data of Respondents

No. (%)
SECTION A 37 (26.8)
B 28(20.3)
C 37(26.8)
D 36(26.1)
GENDER Male 23(16.7)
Female 115(83.3)
AGE 13 7(5.1)
14 118(85.5)
15 13(9.4)

Table 2. Respondents’ Answer on Frequency of compliance in Handwashing

a. 1.
Question Choices No. (%)
Never 0
How many times do you wash your hands on a daily basis? 1-2 times 13(9.4)
3-5 times 86(62.3)
6-10 times 35(25.4)
11 and over 4(2.9)

a. 2.
Question Choices No. (%)
Far from the sink 25(18.1)
What is your main reason for skipping handwashing? No need 16(11.6)
No time 22(15.9)
Keep forgetting 63(45.7)
Others 12(8.7)
(please specify)

29
 No. (%)
When washing/cleaning hands… Agree Disagree Do not know
1.) Use clean, running water 136(98.6) 0 2(1.4)
2.)Cold water should be used 20(14.5) 35(25.4) 83(60.1)
3.)Lukewarm/medium hot water should be used 82(59.4) 6(4.3) 50(36.2)
4.)Hot water should be used 15(10.9) 73(52.9) 50(36.2)
5.)Remove jewelry ,rings, watches and etc. 121(87.7) 9(6.5) 8(5.8)
6.)Using soap and water is the best and proper method 136(98.6) 0 2(1.4)
7.)Hand sanitizers are substitute for on-the-go cleaning when 116(84.1) 12(8.7) 10(7.2)
soap and water aren't available
8.)Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds 95(68.8) 11(8.0) 32(23.2)
9.)Rinse your hands thoroughly 134(97.1) 2(1.4) 2(1.4)
10.)Drying is needed after hand washing 121(87.7) 4(2.9) 13(9.4)
Table 3. Respondents’ Answer on their Level of Awareness in Handwashing

Table 4. Respondents’ Answer on Handwashing Practices

No. (%)
I wash my hands… Always Sometimes Never
1.)Before meals 75(54.3) 61(44.2) 2(1.4)
2.)After meals 64(46.4) 73(52.9) 1(.7)
3.)Before using the restroom 18(13.0) 82(59.4) 38(27.5)
4.)After using the restroom 115(83.3) 23(16.7) 0
5.)After using public transportation 51(37.0) 70(50.7) 17(12.3)
6.)After touching animals 105(76.1) 31(22.5) 2(1.4)
7.)Before touching sick people 61(44.2) 59(42.8) 18(13.0)
8.)After touching sick people 98(71.0) 34(24.6) 6(4.3)
9.)After touching garbage 130(94.2) 6(4.3) 2(1.4)
10.)After using gadgets 13(9.4) 74(53.6) 51(37.0)
11.)After holding money 54(39.1) 69(50.0) 15(10.9)
12.)After blowing nose, coughing or sneezing 82(59.4) 53(38.4) 3(2.2)
13.)After handshaking 8(5.8) 73(52.9) 57(41.3)
14.)When my hands are soiled 115(83.3) 23(16.7) 0
15.)After cleaning my home (e.g. laundry , dishes , dusting etc.) 110(79.7) 26(18.8) 2(1.4)

CHAPTER 6

30
 Bibliography

1.) Evaluation of students’ social hand washing knowledge,practices, and skills in a

university setting. Cent Eur J Public Health 2011; 19(4):222-227

Retrieved from:

http://apps.szu.cz/svi/cejph/archiv/2011-4-07-full.pdf

2.)Colin L. Soskolne. The public health dimensions of the global ecological integrity
(GEIG) conference, Prague, Czech Republic Prague Czech Republic, July 9-16, 2011.
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Retrieved from:

http://apps.szu.cz/svi/cejph/archiv/2011-4-07-full.pdf

3.)L.Rosen, D.Zucker, D.Brody, D.Engelhard, O.Manor. The effect of handwashing

intervention on preschool educator beliefs, attitudes, knowledge and self-effifacy..
Health Education Research, Volume 24, Issue 4, 1 August 2009, Pages 686–698, 24
March 2009

Retrieved from:

https://academic.oup.com/her/article/24/4/686/570294/The-effect-of-a-handwashing-
intervention-on

4. R.Islam, K.M. Mukatadir, Z.A. Rizvi, S. Hossain, B.Banu, K.R. Ahmed, K. Khanom, J.H.B.
Masud. Educational Intervention on Hand Washing among the School Children in a rural
area of Bangladesh.. European Academic Research Vol. II 10/January 2015

Retrieved from:

https://www.academia.edu/16451295/Educational_Intervention_on_Hand_Washing_a
mong_the_School_Children_in_a_Rural_Area_of_Bangladesh

31
5. M.Sultana, R.A. Mahumud, A.R. Sarker and S.M. Hossain. Hand hygiene knowledge
and practice among students: evidence from Private Universities of Bangladesh Risk
Manag. Healthc Policy, 2011; 9:13 – 20

Retrieved from:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4758791/

6.W.R. De Alwis, P. Pakirisamy, L.W. Sam, E.C. Xiaofen. A Study on Hand Contamination
and Hand Washing Practices among Medical Students. ISNR Public Health Volume 2012
(2012), Article ID 251483, 5 pages

Retrieved from:

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/251483/

7. M. Ghanim, N. Dash, B. Abdullah, H. Issa, R. Albarazi, Z. Al Saheli. Knowledge and

Practice of Personal Hygiene among Primary School Students in Sharjah-UAE, Journal of
Health Science p-ISSN: 2166-5966 e-ISSN: 2166-5990 2016;  6(5): 67-73 Copyright ©
2016 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Retrieved from:
http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.health.20160605.01.html

8. Julia Dilley, PhD MES. Research Review: School-based Health Interventions and
Academic Achievement
Retrieved from:
http://here.doh.wa.gov/materials/research-review-school-based-health-interventions-
and-academic-achievement/12_HealthAcademic_E09L.pdf

9. Esther Entin. Washing Works: Hand-Washing Keeps Kids in School, and Sickness Out,
Pediatrics June 6, 2012
Retrieved from:
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/06/washing-works-hand-washing-
keeps-kids-in-school-and-sickness-out/258153/

32