INVESTIGATING PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF SCHOOL HYGIENE PRACTICES AND ITS IMPACT ON LOWER PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS' HEALTH AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

This study examined parental perceptions of school hygiene practices and their impact on pupils’ health and academic performance in lower primary schools in Ibadan South West Local Government, Oyo State. A mixed-methods design was employed with 200 participants (150 parents and 50 pupils), using structured surveys, observation checklists, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analysis, while qualitative data underwent thematic coding. Integration was achieved through triangulation, where statistical trends were cross-validated with parental narratives. Findings revealed that while fingernail checks and classroom sweeping were widely implemented, toilet cleaning and compound maintenance were poorly managed, especially in public schools. Parents valued hygiene but expressed concerns over inadequate facilities and inconsistent routines. Pupils in schools with stronger hygiene practices reported fewer cases of diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin diseases, which translated into reduced absenteeism and better academic outcomes. Regression analysis confirmed a significant predictive link between hygiene practices and pupils’ performance. Anchored on the Health Belief Model (HBM) by Rosenstock, Hochbaum, Kegels, and Leventhal (1950s) and the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) by Albert Bandura (1977, 1986), the study concludes that hygiene is central to both child well-being and learning. It recommends structured hygiene routines, increased government investment in WASH infrastructure, stronger parental involvement, and continuous monitoring to improve school health and academic outcomes.