DefinePK

Abstract

Hand washing is particularly vital among children, as improper hand hygiene can lead to increased mortality rates from diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge and hand hygiene practices among primary school children aged 8–14 years in Shakari Mangalore, Swat, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 students from a government primary school. A structured questionnaire, adapted from previous studies, was used to gather demographic data and hand hygiene-related responses. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 to calculate frequencies and percentages. Results: The findings showed that 88% of participants recognized the importance of hand washing during school, and 100% acknowledged the significance of washing hands to remove germs and dirt. However, the use of soap and hand washing in school settings was notably lower, with only 10% using soap regularly. Conclusions: While awareness of hand hygiene was high, adherence to proper hand-washing practices was inconsistent. The study highlights the need for better education, particularly regarding soap usage and consistent hand-washing behaviors, to improve hygiene practices in schools and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.