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Education for Improving Awareness and Practices Regarding Hand Hygiene Among Romanian School Children

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  • Anda-Valentina Trandafir

    (Department of Community Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
    Research Center in Preventive Medicine, Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Lucia Maria Lotrean

    (Department of Community Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
    Research Center in Preventive Medicine, Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This study aimed to describe the implementation, effect and process evaluation of an educational session focused on promoting hand hygiene among school children within a school-based health education program. Seven schools from Romania participated in a longitudinal study. Children were categorized in two groups: Intervention (participating in a session in which they learnt about the importance of hand hygiene and the technique of handwashing, as part of a comprehensive educational program) and Control (standard education). Data were gathered through confidential questionnaires at baseline (October–November 2019, 880 participants) and follow-up (December 2020–February 2021, 484 participants); 350 children participated in both assessments. Many children consistently practiced handwashing in several situations at both evaluations. At follow-up, both groups had improved several hand hygiene practices; students from the Intervention group showed a higher handwashing frequency after using the toilet and before meals in comparison with the Control group. The majority of students from the intervention group agreed the program helped improving their handwashing behavior; girls and children with parents of lower educational levels tended to have a more favorable opinion. Consistent efforts and reinforcement are necessary for the maintenance of correct hand-washing practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Anda-Valentina Trandafir & Lucia Maria Lotrean, 2025. "Education for Improving Awareness and Practices Regarding Hand Hygiene Among Romanian School Children," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:304-:d:1559574
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    References listed on IDEAS

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