ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF STUDENT TOWARDS PERSONAL HYGIENE AMONG STUDENT IN PUBLIC SCHOOL IN WUDIL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA KANO

This study assess the knowledge and attitude of students toward personal hygiene in public secondary schools in Wudil Local Government Area, Kano State. The objectives were to determine the level of students’ knowledge on personal hygiene, examine their attitudes toward hygiene practices, identify factors influencing their behaviour, and suggest strategies for improvement. A descriptive survey design was adopted to guide the study. The study population comprised 3,245 students, while a sample of 356 respondents was selected using the Taro Yamane formula. Simple random sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and the Chi-square test to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that students demonstrated a high level of knowledge of personal hygiene and showed generally positive attitudes toward hygiene practices, although peer encouragement for maintaining hygiene was relatively low. The Chi-square results indicated significant relationships between access to clean water, parental guidance, and hygiene behaviour. The study recommends that the Kano State Ministry of Education should strengthen hygiene education programs through the school curriculum, organize regular health talks, and ensure adequate provision of clean water and sanitation facilities in secondary schools to promote sustainable hygiene practices among students. The study concluded that while students possess adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward personal hygiene, continuous reinforcement and improved hygiene facilities are essential to sustain effective personal hygiene practices among students.