Evaluation of Student Handwashing Practices During a School-Based Hygiene Program in Rural Western Kenya, 2007

International Quarterly of Community Health Education
Genevieve La ConRobert Quick

Abstract

Unsafe drinking water and inadequate handwashing facilities in primary schools increase the risk of absenteeism due to diarrhea and respiratory infections. To mitigate these risks, we provided 28 schools in rural Western Kenya with handwashing and drinking water stations (containers with lids and taps on metal stands), bleach for water treatment, soap for handwashing, and educational materials. We observed the use of the water stations and assessed teachers' attitudes toward the intervention. Of 151 total handwashing stations, 69 (59%) were observed to have soap and water and treated drinking water 4 months after implementation; observations of pupils showed an increase in handwashing behavior in water stations located < 10 m, as compared with those >10 m, from latrines ( p < .02). In focus groups, teachers reported improved cleanliness and decreased illness in pupils. Teacher training and installation of water stations resulted in observed improvements in pupils' hygiene, particularly when water stations were located <10 m from latrines.

References

May 3, 2003·The Lancet Infectious Diseases·Val Curtis, Sandy Cairncross
Mar 24, 2006·Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH·Tamer Rabie, Valerie Curtis
Jun 7, 2007·Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH·Stephen P LubyRobert M Hoekstra
Jun 17, 2008·American Journal of Public Health·Allison E AielloElaine L Larson
Apr 5, 2011·The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·Pavani K RamStephen P Luby
Jul 10, 2013·The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·Amy J PickeringPavani K Ram
May 2, 2014·Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH·Annette Prüss-UstünSandy Cairncross
Jun 4, 2014·Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH·Matthew C FreemanValerie Curtis
Jan 1, 2013·International Quarterly of Community Health Education·Janessa M GravesWilliam E Daniell
Jan 20, 2016·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Robert DreibelbisPavani K Ram

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jun 18, 2019·International Journal of Environmental Health Research·Sophie RutterMargarita Gomez-Escalada
Jan 31, 2019·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Celia McMichael
May 19, 2021·International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·Carmen AnthonjValentina Grossi

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Software Mentioned

WaterGuard
ATLAS
ti

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.