Perceived Level of Knowledge and Hand Hygiene Practices among Primary School Children in Shakari Mangalore, Swat, Pakistan

Hand washing is particularly vital among children, as improper hand hygiene can lead to increased mortality rates from diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge and hand hygiene practices among primary school children aged 8–14 years in Shakari Mangalore, Swat, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 students from a government primary school. A structured questionnaire, adapted from previous studies, was used to gather demographic data and hand hygiene-related responses. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 to calculate frequencies and percentages. Results: The findings showed that 88% of participants recognized the importance of hand washing during school, and 100% acknowledged the significance of washing hands to remove germs and dirt. However, the use of soap and hand washing in school settings was notably lower, with only 10% using soap regularly. Conclusions: While awareness of hand hygiene was high, adherence to proper hand-washing practices was inconsistent. The study highlights the need for better education, particularly regarding soap usage and consistent hand-washing behaviors, to improve hygiene practices in schools and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.