level of knowledge on the importance of basic personal hygiene among the Grade 5 pupils of WNU, Academic Year 2013-2014
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Personal hygiene has always been a part of a person’s daily activities but what is really the depth of an individual’s understanding of why personal hygiene should be practiced every day? One’s behavior towards practicing personal hygiene greatly aids in the prevention of diseases; thus, an optimal component to the well-being of people. More studies have also depicted the health benefits of improved hygiene (Fewtrell et al. 2005) Boot and Cairncross (1993) mentions hand washing and nail cleaning; washing of the face; bathing; hygiene post defecation; and washing of towels, beddings, clothes, etc. before use as part of personal hygiene. At an early age, children are educated about personal hygiene practices such as the correct way of washing hands; the essence of daily bathing with the use of products such as shampoo and soap; as well as how to prevent the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms, specifically, covering one’s mouth when coughing, etc.; and household hygiene such as disinfecting surfaces around the home, boiling of drinking water, and the like. The researchers firmly believe that apart from classroom discussions on the knowledge on and importance of personal hygiene, the primary teaching should begin at home. Children are a reflection of their parent’s views on the matter. Parents are first and foremost responsible for the basic care, protection, support and guidance of their children. It is understandable that the attention given by parents to their children with regards to personal hygiene practices is very essential. Children tend to follow the examples set by the former. Oral hygiene is another important aspect of personal hygiene. It is common to find poor dental hygiene with high levels of dental plaque, calculus and gingivitis in early age. (Desai & Messer, 2001) Since the researchers are student nurses themselves they take personal hygiene practices among Grade 5 pupils of
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Personal hygiene has always been a part of a person’s daily activities but what is really the depth of an individual’s understanding of why personal hygiene should be practiced every day? One’s behavior towards practicing personal hygiene greatly aids in the prevention of diseases; thus, an optimal component to the well-being of people. More studies have also depicted the health benefits of improved hygiene (Fewtrell et al. 2005) Boot and Cairncross (1993) mentions hand washing and nail cleaning; washing of the face; bathing; hygiene post defecation; and washing of towels, beddings, clothes, etc. before use as part of personal hygiene. At an early age, children are educated about personal hygiene practices such as the correct way of washing hands; the essence of daily bathing with the use of products such as shampoo and soap; as well as how to prevent the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms, specifically, covering one’s mouth when coughing, etc.; and household hygiene such as disinfecting surfaces around the home, boiling of drinking water, and the like. The researchers firmly believe that apart from classroom discussions on the knowledge on and importance of personal hygiene, the primary teaching should begin at home. Children are a reflection of their parent’s views on the matter. Parents are first and foremost responsible for the basic care, protection, support and guidance of their children. It is understandable that the attention given by parents to their children with regards to personal hygiene practices is very essential. Children tend to follow the examples set by the former. Oral hygiene is another important aspect of personal hygiene. It is common to find poor dental hygiene with high levels of dental plaque, calculus and gingivitis in early age. (Desai & Messer, 2001) Since the researchers are student nurses themselves they take personal hygiene practices among Grade 5 pupils of