Abstract:
Hand washing with soap and water significantly reduces diarrheal risk by almost
fifty percent and acute respiratory infection by about one-third. Various studies show poor hand
washing practice is the major health problem among students in developing countries including in
Ethiopia. However, evidence in Eastern Ethiopia particularly in Harari town is limited.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of hand washing practice
among 2
nd cycle public primary school children and associated factors in Harar town, Eastern
Ethiopia from June 14 to 30, 2021.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was applied among primary school
students in Harar town. A total of 670 study participants were selected from six schools using a
simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaire with face to-face interview technique and by observation. Data were analyzed descriptively and using mult variable logistic regression. The association of outcome variable with factors was expressed using
adjusted odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval. Finally, p-value < 0.05 in mult-variable
analysis were considered to declare a statistically significant association.
Results: From the total number of 670 students included in the study, those washing their hands
were 248 (37.0%) with 95% CI (33.3-40.06). Being grade 8 [AOR=4.9; 95% CI: 2.28-10.52],
urban residence [AOR= 3.49; 95% CI: 1.29-9.40]), referents (role models) as parents [AOR= 4.41;
95% CI: 1.79-10.86], teachers [AOR= 3.69; 95% CI: 1.39-8.81] and health professionals [AOR=
3.17, 95% CI: 1.17-8.63], availability of hand washing facility [AOR=3.62; 95% CI: 1.57-8.34],
access to soap and water in their home [AOR= 2.89; 95% CI: 1.39-5.98] and being membership
of school WASH club [AOR= 2.39; 95% CI: 1.41-4.03] were found to be significantly associated
with hand washing practice.
Conclusions and recommendations: Nearly one-third (37.0%) of students were practiced proper
hand washing. Student’s grade level, residence, referents (role model) for hand washing, presence
of hand washing facility, access to water and soap and water in student’s home and membership
of school WASH club were among factors that affect hand washing practice. Thus, regional
government specifically education and health bureau should work on improving hand washing
practices in the schools through providing all necessary hand washing facilities
