Abstract:
Background: Hand washing is crucial for women with children under five to prevent germs
and contaminants from spreading childhood diseases, especially in low- and middle-income
countries where hand hygiene is particularly challenging. In previous research, hand washing
practice among women of under-five children has not been yet studied in Melka Belo Woreda.
Objective: To asses Hand washing practice and associated factors among mothers with under five children in Melka Belo Woreda, Eastern Ethiopia since April 25 to July 25/2023.
Method: A community-based cross-sectional study in Melka Belo Woreda involved 422
women with children under five years old. Data was collected through interviews, observation
and questionnaires. The study analyzed data using SPSS version 23, descriptive statistics,
bivariate, multiple regression, binary, and multinomial logistic regression, focusing on
significantly associated factors of hand washing practice, particularly at critical times.
Result: The study found that the overall good hand washing practice of mothers with under five children of age was 57.14%. Mothers who knew the importance of hand washing before
eating were 76.9%. The odds of mothers who know the importance of hand washing before
eating were 0.14 times lower for hand washing practice than those who did not know the
importance of hand washing before eating (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI, 0.07–0.29). The odds of a
mother with only water was enough for hand washing were 0.36 times lower for the practice
of hand washing than for the mother who said that only water is no enough for hand washing
(AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.22–0.58). The odds of mothers with the suggestion that human feces
contain germs were 1.95 times higher for the practice of washing hands than mothers with the
suggestion that human feces not contain germs (AOR=1.95, 95% CI; 1.03-3.71) and the odds
of mothers having water and soap facilities at home were 1.26 times higher for hand washing
than for mothers who had not water and soap facilities at home (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI, 0.64–
2.48). These were significant factors associated with the hand-washing practices of mothers
with children under the age of five.
Conclusion: The overall good hand washing practice of mothers with under-five children of
age was found to be low. Factors such as human feces contain germs, the availability of water
and soap facilities, important of hand washing before eating and the only water is enough for
hand washing practices were significant factors of hand washing practice among mothers of
under-five children. Increasing health promotion activities will be done in Melka Belo
Woreda
