Knowledge and practices regarding hand-washing among mothers of children less than five years of age in rural areas of District Sialkot

Authors

  • Sonia Almas Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Ayesha Babar Kawish Al Shifa School of Public Health, Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Tahir Mehmood Butt Sialkot Medical College, Pakistan
  • Subhana Akber Khan Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.456

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge and practices regarding hand-washing among mothers of children aged ?5 years.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2015 in rural areas of Union Council Charwa, Tehsil Pasrur in District Sialkot, Pakistan, and comprised mothers of children aged ?5 years. Data was collected using a pre-tested and validated structured questionnaire developed in line with World health Organisation guidelines on hand-washing technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 17.

Results: Of the 422 subjects, 319 (75.4%) had sufficient knowledge and 104 (24.6%) showed good practices regarding hand-washing. However, only 59 (14%) mothers were found adherent to the appropriate technique of hand-washing.

Conclusion: Health education and behaviour-changing communication approaches must be implemented to educate the masses about proper hand-washing technique.

Key Words: Knowledge, Practices, Hand-washing, Mothers, Health education, Pakistan.

Additional Files

Published

2020-10-21

How to Cite

Sonia Almas, Ayesha Babar Kawish, Tahir Mehmood Butt, & Subhana Akber Khan. (2020). Knowledge and practices regarding hand-washing among mothers of children less than five years of age in rural areas of District Sialkot. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.456

Issue

A Head of Print

Section

KAP STUDY