2018, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B

author(s)
Aragaw Zemene and Gebrekidan Welegerima

abstract
There is no documented evidence which describes either the practice of hygiene by the community in Agazi Elementary School, or their knowledge of the subject. The purpose of this study was an exploration and description of the knowledge and the practice of hygiene among these school communities. An explorative, qualitative study was done. The research sample was comprised of students and communities of Agazi Elementary school of Adigrat. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and the participants’ statements were recorded by the researcher. The following research ethics were observed during the study: informed consent, permission from school, confidentiality and voluntary participation. Twenty (n=20) Agazi Elementary school communities participated in the study, with 13 females and 7 males interviewed as subjects. The following themes emerged during the analysis: household hygiene and in the surroundings; disposal of human waste; household refuse removal; personal hygiene, including hand washing, water source knowledge and knowledge of hygiene-related diseases. Generally, although the school communities have some general knowledge about hygiene, the extent of that knowledge is quite limited. The knowledge of hygiene is usually not carried out in practice for various reasons, which include insufficient water supply, insufficient knowledge and lack of access to sanitation facilities. Therefore, the school community Council should be advised to formulate strategies that will address issues of water, sanitation and hygiene in the school.