Correlation Between Health And Hygiene Among School Students

Health and hygiene are closely interlinked, particularly during school years when lifestyle habits are being formed. This study investigates the correlation between hygiene practices and health status among school students from Grades 8 to 10 in both rural and urban settings. Using a descriptive and correlational research design, data were collected from 100 students through questionnaires assessing personal and environmental hygiene habits, alongside school health records detailing illnesses over the past six months. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship (r = -0.78) between hygiene levels and the incidence of illness, indicating that students with higher hygiene standards experienced significantly fewer health problems. The findings highlight disparities in hygiene awareness between genders, with girls demonstrating better practices, and underscore the influence of parental education on students’ hygiene habits. Rural schools were observed to face infrastructural challenges, including inadequate toilet and drinking water facilities. The study recommends the integration of regular hygiene education programs, cleanliness drives, and the provision of safe sanitation and drinking water in schools, alongside parent–teacher health awareness initiatives. These measures can substantially improve students’ health outcomes and promote lifelong hygiene practices.