TteyHE SANITARY PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES OF

STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOL SETTING: A CRITIAL

EXPLORATION
 Chapter 1

Introduction

Background of the Study

Throughout time, good hygiene plays an important role in the prevention of diseases
related to water and sanitation. Indeed, sanitation is a crucial aspect of public health,
and especially important in a school setting where large groups of individuals come
together daily. It is believed that poor sanitation practices can lead to the spread of
diseases and infections, which can have a significant impact on the health and well-
being of students and the wider community. Though schools have implemented
strategies and programs to teach learners about good sanitation practices, the results
lie on the perspectives and response of the latter. This context motivates the
researchers to explore on this topic.

Globally, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) intervention programs were

promoted and implemented, primarily targeted to prevent and control the spread of
communicable diseases (Ramesh et al., 2015). In schools, the WASH programs were
targetted to the provision of WASH facilities and services, inculcating life skills and
undertaking communty outreach (Adams et al., 2009, UNICEF, 2012). Many
communicable diseases are likely to be transmitted by hand contact (Comer et al.,
2009, Stedman-Smith et al., 2015), making school children most vulnerable. In a school
environment, children learn and play together thereby making it easy to pass pathogens
along. Transmission of pathogens can be controlled and prevented through safe
disposal of stool and waste, adequate hand washing and provision of sustained clean
and safe drinking water (World Bank, 2005).

As the researchers examined this research on hygienic practices in educational

settings, we observed that it is still not fully understood. Similar to how few local
residents actually know how to properly perform sanitation, it is not widely regarded in
local areas in local aspects. Some students are unaware of how it affects their health or
how to overcome some sanitary practices that must be followed step by step. The
purpose of this study is to learn how students perform sanitary practices in the school
setting.
Statement of the problem

This critical exploration aims to no the effectiveness of current practices

and attitudes among students in promoting safe and clean surroundings. Significantly,
this following question are the goal of the study;

1. How do students practice sanitation in terms of:

1.1. food handling

1.2. personal hygiene

1.3. environment

2. How do the students cope sanitary practices in a school setting in terms of:

2.1. Hygiene

2.2. Regimen

2.3. Sanitation

3. What are the insight of students towards sanitation in a school in terms of:

3.1. roles and responsibilities

3.2. perceptions and level of experience

3.3. team dynamics