Correlates of School Children’s Handwashing

A Study in Tibetan Primary Schools

Bibliographic Data

ID15475828
AuthorsChang Sun (0000-0002-2425-9485, Sichuan University), Chang Yong Sun (Sichuan University), Qingzhi Wang (0000-0001-8622-3966, Sichuan University), Sasmita Poudel Adhikari (Sichuan University), Ruixue Ye (0000-0003-4532-7915, Sichuan University), Meng Sha (0000-0003-4492-1189, Sichuan University), Sha Meng (Sichuan University), Yuju Wu (0000-0001-5073-2320, Sichuan University), Yuping Mao (0000-0003-4865-9253, California State University, Long Beach), Hein Raat (0000-0002-6000-7445, Erasmus MC), Huan Zhou (0000-0002-6709-5134, Sichuan University, corresponding author)
Year2019
Volume16
Issue17
Pages3217-3217
Publication date2019-09-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph16173217
PMID31484357
OpenAlexW2972230001
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited27

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

Compliance (psychology · Control (management · Developmental psychology · Environmental health · Family medicine · Hygiene · Structural equation modeling · Theory of planned behavior · Theory of reasoned action · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Clinical Psychology · Food Safety and Hygiene · Infection Control in Healthcare · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOISci-HubOpen Access