Hygiene and sanitation status in a primary school (Bangladesh)

The overall goal of this study was to assess the level of hygiene and sanitation status among primary school going children in Paikgacha municipality. About 310 children from four different schools were surveyed to analyze various sanitation behaviors among them using frequency distribution analysis. It is found that 93.2% children wash their hands after using toilet at home. Also, only 0.7% children are not practicing the same behavior at school. The study also has observed that more than 70% children brush their teeth, cut their nails regularly, bathe every day and wear shoes at house. The status of sanitation practice is same in all schools except in the sector of toilet using practices. In addition, children’s water using and waste management practices are good in schools but toilet using and hand wash practices are better at home. The status of other hygiene practice at school like wearing masks is very bad as only 3.2% children practice it. Finally, the relationship between the sanitation status and health were measured using regression analysis. The study has observed a significant relationship (-0.234, p<0.000) between dysentery and putting hands in mouth, as well as a negative significant relationship (-0.130, p<0.022) between washing hands after playing and dysentery. This has helped to identify weather children are more vulnerable in terms of water and sanitation related diseases. From this study, the school authorities will know where their school’s shortcomings are and can take the necessary steps to improve hygiene practices.