Baseline Assessment of Handwashing Behavior, Hand Hygiene Conditions, and Wellbeing in Primary Schools in Nigeria.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

In humanitarian settings, poor school hygiene conditions can severely impact children's health and wellbeing. As part of a cluster randomized trial evaluating a multicomponent hand hygiene intervention, this baseline study assessed hand hygiene behaviors, school infrastructure, and wellbeing among schoolchildren in Nigeria.

Methods

Between May and June 2023, cross-sectional data were collected from 26 schools using handwashing observations, questionnaires, infrastructure assessments, and hand rinse sampling. A total of 964 children were observed, 645 interviewed, and 311 provided samples.

Results

Observed handwashing rates were extremely low: 4%-12% before eating and 2%-3% after toilet use. About half of schools lacked designated handwashing stations. Gener

SUBMITTER: Maani-Abuzahra Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12507709 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature