Association Between Knowledge of Handwashing with Soap and Handwashing Behavior Among Elementary School Students in Pontianak, Indonesia
Keywords:
Elementary School Students, Handwashing, Health Behavior, Hygiene, KnowledgeAbstract
Background: Handwashing with soap (CTPS) is a clean and healthy lifestyle behavior that is effective in preventing various infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, acute respiratory infections (ARI), worm infections, and skin diseases. Although public awareness of the importance of CTPS increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, compliance with this habit tended to decline after the pandemic ended. Good knowledge regarding the benefits, timing, and technique of CTPS is thought to play a significant role in shaping handwashing behavior in elementary school-aged children.
Methods: This study used a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample was elementary school students selected using a total sampling technique from the entire study population. Data were collected using a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Then, data were analyzed univariately and bivariately using the Chi-Square test with a 95% significance level (α = 0.05).
Results: This study is expected to demonstrate a significant relationship between knowledge levels regarding handwashing (CTPS) and handwashing behavior among elementary school students. Students with higher levels of knowledge are expected to have better handwashing behavior compared to those with lower levels of knowledge.
Conclusion: Increasing knowledge about handwashing (CTPS) through health education and habituation in the school environment is expected to improve students' handwashing behavior, thereby contributing to the prevention of infectious diseases and the establishment of a clean and healthy lifestyle in schools.
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