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Correlates of School Children’s Handwashing: A Study in Tibetan Primary Schools

Author

Listed:
  • Chang Sun

    (Department of Health and Social Behavior Science, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Qingzhi Wang

    (Department of Health and Social Behavior Science, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Sasmita Poudel Adhikari

    (Department of Health and Social Behavior Science, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Ruixue Ye

    (Department of Health and Social Behavior Science, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Sha Meng

    (Department of Health and Social Behavior Science, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Yuju Wu

    (Department of Health and Social Behavior Science, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Yuping Mao

    (Department of Communication Studies, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA)

  • Hein Raat

    (Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC—University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Huan Zhou

    (Department of Health and Social Behavior Science, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China)

Abstract

Hand hygiene, including handwashing by children, has been reported to contribute to the prevention of various infectious conditions. This study aims to explore the correlates of handwashing behavior among 1690 fourth to sixth grade primary school students in 19 Tibetan primary schools (Golog, Qinghai, China). The theory of reasoned action (TRA) was applied. Data was collected by questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis showed that students’ attitude (β = 0.22, 95% CI 0.13–0.31) and subjective norms in terms of compliance to teachers’, parents’ and peers’ suggestions to wash hands (β = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.18) were directly associated with students’ handwashing behavior. Students’ knowledge (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.03–0.07) had an indirect association with handwashing behavior, mediated by students’ attitudes and subjective norms. Subjective norms (β = 0.12, 95% CI 0.07–0.17) were also indirectly correlated with handwashing through students’ attitudes. Therefore, our study supported the theory of reasoned action through our findings that students’ attitude and knowledge, and also attitudes from teachers, parents and peers were correlated with student handwashing behavior. Students reported higher level of compliance to teachers than to their parents and classmates. Based on this information, we recommend teacher-involved participatory hygiene education to promote students’ handwashing behaviors in areas at high risk for infectious diseases that can be prevented by handwashing.

Suggested Citation

  • Chang Sun & Qingzhi Wang & Sasmita Poudel Adhikari & Ruixue Ye & Sha Meng & Yuju Wu & Yuping Mao & Hein Raat & Huan Zhou, 2019. "Correlates of School Children’s Handwashing: A Study in Tibetan Primary Schools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:17:p:3217-:d:263606
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Duan Huang & Rendong Li & Juan Qiu & Xiangdong Sun & Ruixia Yuan & Yuanyuan Shi & Yubing Qu & Yingnan Niu, 2018. "Geographical Environment Factors and Risk Mapping of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Western China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Mitsuaki Hirai & Jay P. Graham & Kay D. Mattson & Andrea Kelsey & Supriya Mukherji & Aidan A. Cronin, 2016. "Exploring Determinants of Handwashing with Soap in Indonesia: A Quantitative Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-15, September.
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