Effects of Hygiene Education on Handwashing Practices Among Pupils with Hearing Impairment in Lagos State

Handwashing practice encompasses activities geared towards improvement in health through promotion of personal cleanliness to achieve positive health behaviours and wellness. This study examined the effects of hygiene education on handwashing practices among pupils with hearing impairment in Lagos State. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 218 public school pupils with hearing impairment between ages 9 and 14 years. A pretest-posttest experimental research design was adopted. Eight weeks intervention programme was conducted using hygiene education manual focusing on handwashing techniques, with American Sign Language used for communication. Pre-test and post-test assessment used Hygiene Education Knowledge and Practices Questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.76. Results showed that age and gender did not significantly affect handwashing knowledge and practices, while hygiene education knowledge had significant effects on handwashing practices. The researchers recommended early inclusion of hygiene education into elementary school curriculum, continuous handwashing awareness programmes, and provision of water and hygiene materials in public primary schools.