Assessment of the Personal Hygiene Practices among Primary School Children in Swat

Abstract

Personal hygiene plays a pivotal role in maintaining and promoting health, especially among school-going children. Inadequate hygiene practices contribute significantly to the global burden of infectious diseases and school absenteeism. Objective: To assess the personal hygiene practices among Class 3 students of a government primary school in Shakari, Manglawar. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2025 among 50 students aged 8–10 years. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on demoFigureic details and hygiene practices. The responses were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, with results presented in frequencies and percentages. Results: Findings revealed that 78% of children always brushed their teeth, 44% always cut their nails, 56% wore clean clothes daily, and 44% bathed daily. Handwashing habits were strong, with 88% always washing hands before eating and after using the toilet. Maternal education was low, with 48% illiterate and 40% having only basic education. Household unemployment was 56%, and 46% of families had more than six members. Conclusions: While hand hygiene was well-practiced, other aspects like nail trimming and daily bathing showed room for improvement. Findings highlight the need for reinforced hygiene education and parental involvement to instill lifelong healthy habits in children.