Abstract
PURPOSE: School children are silent carrier and higher risk to acquire infectious diseases. Good hand hygiene can be an effective preventive measure to protect transmissions of infections. This study aimed to examine the effect of a hand hygiene program among school-aged children at City Corporation Adarsha High School in Dhaka, Bangladesh. DESIGN AND METHODS: A quasi experimental one group pre-test post-test study was conducted among 40 students conveniently. Hand hygiene education intervention was given for two weeks. This study was guided by the KAP survey model which is influence behavior change begins with knowledge, shapes attitude and results in improved practice. Data were collected by using structured self-administered questionnaires including (1) Demographic Questionnaire, (2) Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire, (3) Hand Hygiene Attitude Questionnaire, and (4) Hand Hygiene Practice Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The results of the present study showed that the average age of school students was 11.62 ± 1.44 years. There was a statistically significant mean difference between pre- and post-test scores of knowledges (t = -5.605, p < .001), attitude (t = -3.839, p = < .001) and practice (t = -8.273, p = < .001) of hand hygiene among school children's. Knowledge was positively correlated with practice (r = 0.33, p = .040), and regression analysis showed knowledge was a significant predictor of practice (β = 0.31, p = .045). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide baseline information to the policymaker to implement hand hygiene program using KAP model effective for school students. Further intervention study is needed on diverse setting and population. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: In order to improve hand hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice among school children can be integrating in school curriculum play an effective role in preventing the spread of infectious disease. Nurse and Health educators can get the guideline for developing school-based hygiene promotion intervention particularly in Low middle income countries.