This study evaluated the impact of a school-based educational program on hand hygiene practices among children in Romania, aligned with global goals for water, sanitation, and hygiene. The program included teaching proper handwashing techniques and emphasized key moments for hand hygiene (e.g., after using the toilet, before meals). Data were collected via questionnaires at baseline (2019) and follow-up (2020–2021), involving 880 students initially, with 484 participating post-intervention. Results showed improvements in handwashing frequency across both groups, but the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant gains in washing after toilet use and before meals. Girls and children from less-educated households reported stronger positive perceptions of the program. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for sustained reinforcement of hygiene practices through schools and families.
Author(s): Trandafir, Anda-Valentina; Lotrean, Lucia Maria
Published: 2025
Language: English
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Additional Information
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.