Analytical Survey on Knowledge and Practices Related to Hand Hygiene Among the Women Living in the Slums of Agra City

Abstract

Sanitation and hygiene are very important for good health and development and handwashing is one of the important activities under personal hygiene practices. In this study an attempt is made to study the knowledge and practice of hand hygiene/washing among slum dwellers of Agra city and to recommend possible measures to improve the current practices. A questionnaire-based study was carried out in two registered slums and two unregistered slums of Agra city spread over four zones and 400 respondents were interviewed.  Findings revealed that hand washing before eating was practiced by 38.8% of respondents, 18.8% after eating, 37.0 % after using the toilet, and 5.5% after cleaning. Soap, soil ash, and plain water were the materials used for hand washing. Only about 45% knew the importance of hand washing and felt hand washing prevent diseases that means 55% were unaware that handwashing is the first line of defence against the spread of illnesses and helps to prevent the spread of diseases at home and also in the community. The overall knowledge regarding hand hygiene was unsatisfactory. Inadequate knowledge of this among our study participants is a point of concern. Integration of health and hygiene education by modifying school curriculum could be an appropriate strategy.

Keywords: - Handwashing, Hygiene, Agra city, Slum dwellers.