Knowledge and Behavior of Personal Hygiene among Elementary School Children; Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the correlation between knowledge and personal hygiene behavior among elementary school children. METHODOLOGY: This study employed a quantitative descriptive approach with a cross-sectional design. It recruited 138 respondents through total sampling. Data collection involved administering validated questionnaires on knowledge and personal hygiene behavior. The data were then analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation test to assess the relationship between these variables. RESULTS: Findings indicated a significant positive correlation between knowledge and personal hygiene behaviors among elementary school children (p = 0.001, r = 0.279), suggesting that higher levels of knowledge were associated with improved hygiene practices. CONCLUSION: Health professionals play a critical role in enhancing the personal hygiene behaviors of elementary school children by implementing educational interventions that boost knowledge. They can also facilitate collaboration with teachers, parents, and peers to motivate and monitor students’ adherence to personal hygiene behavior, ensuring a supportive environment that reinforces these behaviors.