Determinants of hand washing practices among public primary school pupils: a case of Lurambi sub county, Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

This research purposed to explore the factors influencing handwashing practices among public primary school pupils in Lurambi Sub County, Kakamega County, Kenya. The study objectives were: to assess primary school pupils’ knowledge of handwashing; to analyze association between reliability of improved water service and pupil’s handwashing practices; to examine technical factors associated with functionality of handwashing practices; to analyze association between reliability of school water service and pupils carrying water from home to school for handwashing and to analyze association between gender and school pupils’ practice of carrying water from home to school for handwashing. A cross-sectional study design was utilized involving a sample of 377 pupils from 12 purposively selected public primary schools in Lurambi Sub County and 12 Key informants. Data collection tools included a questionnaire with both closed-and-open ended questions, observation and interview guide. Quantitative data for respective variables were analyzed through descriptive statistics and cross tabulation while for qualitative data content analysis was undertaken to determine the association between various factors and handwashing practices. The findings revealed several key factors associated with handwashing practices, including the type of water source services, knowledge of handwashing, reliability of improved water service, availability of handwashing facilities, technical factors and gender. The findings highlight the need for reliable improved water service, improved infrastructure, improved management of water stations, enhanced education on hand hygiene, and community involvement to enhance handwashing practices among primary school pupils. Implementing targeted interventions based on these insights can lead to better health outcomes and reduced incidence of infectious diseases in Lurambi Sub County.