Knowledge and Practice of Personal Hygiene Among Students of Selected Government Schools in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State

Author: Naimat Adebola Apaokagi, Adetunji D. Atimiwoaye, Abdulazeez Alao

Abstract

Records of the spread of infectious/ communicable diseases are alarming in Nigeria. The key to preventing the contact or spread of infectious disease among primary school students is effective personal hygiene.  The present study seeks to examine the knowledge and practices of personal hygiene of primary school students in Ilorin West Local Government.  The study adopts a cross-sectional design and mixed method of data analysis. Results from the descriptive method show that the majority (71%) are between the ages of 6-10 years, 54% are boys, 63% are Christians, 63% are Yorubas, 94% of the pupils have educated parent (mother), 64% of the students are in primary 4 and parents play significant role in pupils’ personal hygiene. Chi-square test of independence was used to examine the relationship between the knowledge, level of hygiene practices and factors influencing hygiene practices, and the results showed that knowledge of hygiene affects personal hygiene practices; factors such as parent education, availability of hygienic water and facilities, have a significant influence on personal hygiene practices. The study concludes that knowledge and practice of personal hygiene play a significant role in reducing the spread of diseases. The study recommends that school health services should be introduced to schools in rural areas; competent school health providers should be provided; and there should be an adequate supply of water and materials for personal hygiene in schools.