Study on hygiene-sanitation among high-school students belonging to field practice area of shimoga institute of medical science, karnataka

Abstract

Background: According to UNICEF, even in 2020, 2.3 billion people lacked basic hygiene. According to the World Health Organization, in 2017, there were no basic sanitation facilities for 2 billion people across the globe. With this background, a study on hygiene and sanitation among high school students of field practice areas of Shimoga Institute of Medical Science was undertaken. Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: (1) To ascertain the hygiene practices among high school students. (2) To determine sanitation in their schools. Methodology: Study was conducted among the high school students belonging to field practice areas of Shimoga Institute of Medical Science, Shivamogga. Data were collected by visiting all the schools using semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Important Findings: Personal hygiene like washing hands before food was 95.7% in rural and 100% in urban students. Washing hands with soap after using the toilet was 94.9% in rural and 94% in urban. Menstrual hygiene like use of sanitary pad was 70% in rural and 92.6% in urban students. Sanitation facilities like separate toilets for boys and girls was 100% in both rural and urban schools. Conclusion: Hygiene and sanitation were good in most of schools and this has to be maintained in future as well.