MULTICOMPONENT INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF HANDWASHING AMONG SCHOOLCHILDREN IN MEXICO

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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to improve handwashing quality in an elementary school. Materials and Methods: Census-based, quantitative, quasi-experimental, longitudinal, analytical study involving 141 schoolchildren enrolled in a public school in a rural, indigenous area of Maní, state of Yucatán, Mexico. The primary variable, handwashing quality, was measured
using a WHO Hand Hygiene Technical Reference Manual checklist administered by standardized evaluators. The seven-month intervention included activities focused on knowledge, environmental modification, behavior, motivation, and other factors. One month after the intervention ended, the evaluation was conducted using direct observation. Results: At the time of diagnosis, the schoolchildren performed an average of three steps. The most common steps were rinsing their hands, washing their palms, and washing the backs of their hands. After the intervention, they performed an average of eight steps, with some performing up to ten steps. There were significant differences in the frequency of washing the thumbs and knuckles. When calculating the mean difference using Student's t-test,
a difference of 5 was found with a p < 0.001. Conclusion: The intervention was effective in improving handwashing quality among schoolchildren. It enhanced not only the number of steps performed, but also the handwashing habit in school
settings.