School Health Services Project on Personal Hygiene among School Children of Age 12–15 in Underprivileged Community in Karachi

Abstract

Hygiene is one of the pivotal parts of life. It is very necessary for living a healthy life style. However, hygiene is extensive term of science which indentures with promotion and protection of health, eventually, preceding the individuals’ healthy behavior. In fact, the word hygiene is derived from the Greek word “Hygieia” which means the spirit of health purity, sanitation and cleanliness [1]. Therefore, personal hygiene considered in broad category of health, such as face, hand, oral, hair, nail and feet hygiene. However, it does vary from person to person to follow these personal hygienic practices but its depend upon their family norms, culture and society etc [2]. It is observed that poor hygienic conditions and practices have increased the burden of communicable diseases among developed and under developing countries including Pakistan [1] (Figures 1-5). Most of the health related problems affecting school going children are due to the improper personal hygienic practices. Such health related problems can be controlled and prevented by promoting good personal hygiene through awareness and proper health education strategies by school teachers and administrative staff.