ASSESSING THE ROLE OF PEER ASSOCIATIONS AS MEDIATING FACTOR ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WINS PROGRAM AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG STUDENTS

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the mediating effect of peer associations on the relationship between the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WinS) Program and self-esteem among students in Compostela East District, Davao de Oro, using a non-experimental quantitative design and descriptive-correlation technique. The researcher selected 172 Grade 7-10 students through simple random sampling. Modified and enhanced adapted survey questionnaires were utilized, which were pilot tested to ensure high reliability and internal consistency. The findings reveal that the extent of the WinS program among students is rated as moderately extensive, with daily bathing and wearing clean clothes being the most evident practice. In contrast, regular handwashing is the least evident, indicating a need for further hygiene education. Additionally, the extent of self-esteem among students is rated as extensive, with participation in class activities being the most prominent, while the approach to new challenges is the least evident. Peer associations are also rated as moderately extensive, with listening attentively to peers being the most observed behavior, while offering assistance is the least evident. The mediation analysis confirms that peer associations significantly mediate the relationship between the WinS program and self-esteem, suggesting that hygiene practices indirectly enhance self-esteem through positive peer interactions. Keywords: WinS Program; Self-Esteem; Peer Associations; Mediation Analysis; Hygiene Practices