Abstract

Background: Sanitation is a basic determinant of the quality of life and the human development index. Good sanitary practices help to prevent diseases. Hand washing and oral hygiene are the basic steps to maintaining good health. Materials and Methods: The present study was a school based survey undertaken among children in a government school in a rural area of north India with the objectives of finding out the prevalent status of personal hygiene. The total sample was 350 students. The survey was conducted using the GSHS Core Questionnaire Hygiene Module of the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) 2013 Core Questionnaire Modules, the final version that was updated in January 2013. Results: The total number of students studied in the sample was 350. There were three classes – class I, II and III, each having three sections and a total of 110, 123 and 117 children respectively. All the children adhered to the good habit of washing their hands after using the toilet or latrine, always, or at least most of the times; and also most of the children used soap and water always to wash hands. Conclusion: The present study revealed a good standard of hygiene amongst the study population. However, steps are required to be taken so as to improve the status of personal hygiene of all the school children, who are found lacking in this aspect, through various coordinated primordial as well as primary preventive measures like imparting health education.

Authors and Affiliations