Global Pediatric Health (Dec 2020)

Assessment on Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Practices Among Pre-school Children in Klang Valley

  • Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku Jamaluddin PhD,
  • Nurul Azmawati Mohamed MPath,
  • Mohd Dzulkhairi Mohd Rani MPH,
  • Zarini Ismail PhD,
  • Shalinawati Ramli MSc,
  • Habibah Faroque MSc,
  • Farishah Nur Abd Samad BDS,
  • Abdul Rasyid Ariffien MBBS,
  • Aisyah Ar Redha Che Amir Farid MBBS,
  • Ilina Isahak MSc

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X20976369
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

Read online

Background . Pre-school children are at a higher risk to acquire infectious diseases such as hand, foot and mouth disease due to their immature immune system. Good hand hygiene prevents transmission of infectious diseases. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and practices of hand hygiene among pre-schoolers. Methods . In this prospective, multi-center study, the pre-schools were selected according to the selection criteria. A questionnaire consisting of socio-demographics, knowledge and practices of hand hygiene were administered via face-to-face interview during the pre- and post-intervention period. A total of 435 pre-schoolers aged 5 and 6 years old from 2 pre-schools within Klang Valley, School P (test group) and School C (control group) were involved in this study. The test group was provided with comprehensive hand hygiene education including video on proper handwashing technique during the 2 months intervention period, whereas the control group did not receive any form of intervention. The data were statistically analyzed using descriptive analysis and independent t -test. Results . Majority of pre-schoolers gained knowledge of handwashing from their parents. However, only 63% demonstrated good handwashing technique. Test group were significantly better ( P < 0.05) in handwashing technique and hand hygiene routine score. Conclusion . A comprehensive hand hygiene education program should include proper handwashing facilities, resources, and awareness of the care-givers in instilling and sustaining good hand hygiene behavior.