Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
Methods: In this cluster-randomised trial, twenty primary schools were randomly allocated to the intervention or control arm. Intervention schools received group handwashing facilities and implemented daily group handwashing and toothbrushing activities. A soap use to toilet event ratio was calculated to measure children's independent handwashing behaviour after toilet use, and dental plaque accumulation on Monday morning was measured as a proxy indicator for children's independent toothbrushing behaviour at home.
Results: Four months after implementation, handwashing and toothbrushing behaviours did not significantly differ between intervention and control schools. The mean soap use in intervention schools and control schools was 0.41 g and 0.30 g per toilet event, respectively (p?=?0.637). Compared to baseline, mean plaque scores reduced by 4.2% and 3.5% in intervention and control schools, respectively (p?=?0.857).
Conclusions: Although health benefits have been established, school-based group handwashing and toothbrushing may not be sufficient to increase children's uptake of independent hygiene behaviours.
SUBMITTER: Duijster D
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7717050 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Duijster Denise D Buxton Helen H Benzian Habib H Dimaisip-Nabuab Jed J Monse Bella B Volgenant Catherine C Dreibelbis Robert R
International journal of public health 20201103 9
<h4>Objectives</h4>To explore whether a school-based water, sanitation and hygiene programme, which includes group hygiene activities, contributes to the formation of independent handwashing and toothbrushing habits among Filipino children.<h4>Methods</h4>In this cluster-randomised trial, twenty primary schools were randomly allocated to the intervention or control arm. Intervention schools received group handwashing facilities and implemented daily group handwashing and toothbrushing activities ...[more]