The aim of the study is to design and evaluate a school-based hand washing program for children in Malawi, Sub-Saharan Africa, using a cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT), so as to improve proper hand washing, increase knowledge level and also reduce school absenteeism.
A cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT) design with pre-, mid- and post-interventions and follow-up measures will be randomized into intervention or control groups. A simplified 5-steps hand washing program will be implemented in the intervention group while the control group will continue with their usual practice where schoolchildren do not follow any standard recommended handwashing technique.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
360
HWP consists of integrating hand washing practice in the school health policy, setting up proper hand washing facilities in the intervention schools, training to school teachers, delivering of health talk to schoolchildren and their parents, developing reminders and posters of a simplified 5-step hand washing technique, peer briefing session, take home package (5-steps hand washing, commitment letter, poster, leaflet). The program will be delivered once every week.
St John's College of Nursing and Midwifery
Mzuzu, Northern Region, Malawi
RECRUITINGProper hand washing
This will be achieved by giving a score to the amount of fluorescents stain on the hand.
Time frame: 9 month
Knowledge gain
A quiz will be administered to assess knowledge of school children.
Time frame: 9 month
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