J Agric Med Community Health.  2022 Mar;47(1):14-26. 10.5393/JAMCH.2022.47.1.014.

Related Factors for Not Washing Hands at School among Adolescents

• SaGong HJ
• Lee YM
• Choi E
• Kim K

• KMID: 2535046
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2022.47.1.014

Abstract

Objectives
Handwashing is one of the most effective methods to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This study assessed the related factors and reasons for not practicing handwashing at school among adolescents.
Methods
We analyzed data collected from 57,303 adolescents who participated in the 15th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2019.
Results
The proportions of not washing hands “before meals at school” and “after using the toilet at school” were 15.9% and 4.4%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for not washing hands before meals at school was significantly higher in girls (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.52, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI]=1.42-1.63), metropolitan city (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.11-1.56), city (OR=1.29, 95% CI=1.08-1.54), higher grade, higher academic performance, lower economic status, not handwashing at home (OR=14.36, 95% CI=13.37-15.42), and without annual personal hygiene education (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.33-1.49). Reasons for not washing hands at school among adolescents who do not wash their hands before meals at school included ‘it is bothersome (52.3%)’, ‘there is no soap or hand sanitizer (13.8%)’, and ‘I do not feel the need (9.5%)’.
Conclusions
Improving handwashing before meals at school among adolescents requires raising awareness of the importance of handwashing before meals and establishing a suitable environment and handwashing-encouraging culture.

Keyword

Adolescent; Handwashing; Personal Hygiene Education; Schools; KYRBS