An Evaluation of the Child-to-Mother Educational Programme in Improving Personal and Environmental Hygiene Among Mothers of Primary School Students

Abstract

Personal and environmental hygiene play a crucial role in preventing communicable diseases and promoting overall family health. Mothers are the primary caregivers and significantly influence hygiene practices within the household. Innovative approaches such as the child-to-mother educational programme utilize school children as change agents to transfer health knowledge to their families. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a child-to-mother educational programme in improving personal and environmental hygiene among mothers of primary school students. A quantitative research approach with a quasi experimental design was adopted for the study. The research was conducted among mothers of children studying in selected primary schools. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to select the participants. Baseline data regarding knowledge and practices of personal and environmental hygiene were collected using a structured questionnaire and observational checklist. The children were then trained through a structured educational programme and encouraged to disseminate the information to their mothers at home. Post-intervention assessment was conducted after a specified period to evaluate changes in knowledge and practices. The findings revealed a significant improvement in both knowledge and hygiene practices among mothers following the intervention. Statistical analysis indicated that the child-to mother educational programme was effective in enhancing awareness and promoting positive behavioural changes. The study concludes that empowering children as health educators is a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to improve hygiene practices at the household level. The programme can be recommended for wider implementation in school and community health settings to promote public health and prevent disease transmission.