Handwashing programme in kindergarten: a pilot study
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured programme on handwashing which has taken into account of the developmental stage of children.Design methodology approach - This is a pilot study using a structured handwashing programme as intervention. The interven...
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Published in: | Health education (Bradford, West Yorkshire, England) West Yorkshire, England), 2010-01, Vol.110 (1), p.5-16 |
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Main Authors: | , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | eng |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured programme on handwashing which has taken into account of the developmental stage of children.Design methodology approach - This is a pilot study using a structured handwashing programme as intervention. The intervention group (n=15) receives the structured education programme on handwashing in addition to their existing curriculum, whereas the control group (n=15) receives only the teaching content of their curriculum. The programme contains five teaching sessions delivered on a weekly basis. Storytelling, health education, games, experiments, and hands-on activities are planned. Outcome evaluations include the knowledge level and behaviours on handwashing. The behaviour compliance over time is also assessed after the programme.Findings - After the education programme, the knowledge level of students in both groups increased, but significant improvement in handwashing practice is observed only in the intervention group. A noticeable improvement in the handwashing practice of the experimental group is seen immediately after the programme, but the children seem to have difficulties in maintaining the habit.Research limitations implications - The small sample size may limit the external validity of findings to other preschool institutions. Future replications of the study are needed with larger, representative samples.Originality value - The paper indicates that the knowledge and skills of proper handwashing of preschool children can be positively influenced by the use of a structured education programme. The results of the study suggest some implications for preschool educators, parents, and school health educators. |
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ISSN: | 0965-4283 1758-714X |