Hygiene in primary schoolchildren and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

Childhood hygiene plays a pivotal role in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases; however, significant gaps in knowledge persist both within students’ households and their school environments. The objective of this study was to assess the level of hygiene-related knowledge among children aged 11 to 12 years, and to analyze its correlation with gastrointestinal illnesses at the primary education level. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative), involving a sample of 63 students. Data collection was carried out through a validated questionnaire, an observation guide, and a field diary. Findings revealed that 65% of the students had not experienced stomach infections, which appears to be linked to effective hygiene practices. Nonetheless, 11% of participants acknowledged not adopting any alternative hygienic measures when proper handwashing resources were unavailable. Regarding oral hygiene, only 25% of students reported brushing their teeth three times a day, while 70% did so only once or twice daily. Furthermore, 67% of the participants regularly consumed food either from the school’s cooperative or through the school breakfast program. The study concludes that it is imperative to reinforce hygiene practices within the school setting, with a particular emphasis on oral hygiene, in order to promote their consistent application in students’ daily lives.