Analysis of hygiene practices among learners in selected Makhado Municipality Secondary Schools in Limpopo Province

Abstract

Hygiene is a health determinant; a person’s state of health is determined by the hygienic conditions where he or she finds himself or herself. Poor knowledge, negative attitude and poor practices of hygiene have a negative effect on a person’s health, as there are diseases associated with poor hygiene practices. The purpose of the study was to analyse hygiene practices of learners in selected Makhado Municipality secondary schools in Limpopo province. The study adopted the quantitative approach. The researcher used cross sectional descriptive design. The population for this study were learners from grade 8 from the following 5 Secondary Schools under Nzhelele Central Circuit: Tshala, Dimbanyika, Tshamakwatini, Tswime and Velelambeu. Non-probability, purposive sampling method was adopted to select the respondents. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions was used to collect data from 250 respondents. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25,0. Data was analysed The validity of the instrument was ensured through face and content validity. The researcher ensured reliability of the instrument by using the test-retest method. Code of ethics to protect the rights of participants were applied and observed. The study revealed that 93% of respondents knew that diseases could spread from a person to another and 7% of respondents did not know that disease can spread from a person to person. 85% of respondents did not know that washing with or without a soap is the same. Furthermore, the study revealed that 71% of respondents do not eat from the same plate with someone and 75% sometimes do eat with someone in the same plate. The study also revealed that 60% of respondents wash their teeth twice a day and 37% once a day. The study concludes that high school learners have high knowledge regarding hygiene practices. The study also concludes that learners had higher knowledge regarding the spread of diseases. Recommendations: it is recommended that professional nurses and social workers should conduct awareness campaigns regularly in both clinics and schools to reinforce knowledge among young people about hygiene practices. Government should impose harsh laws against people found littering which will jeopardise public’s health.