Impact of Health Education Intervention on Handwashing Practices Among Pupils in Rural Schools, Zamfara State

Poor handwashing practices among school-aged children contribute significantly to the spread of diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections in rural Nigeria. This study assessed the impact of a structured health education intervention on handwashing practices among pupils in rural primary schools in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements was employed, involving 240 pupils from four schools split into experimental and control groups. The intervention comprised four weeks of interactive health education sessions using visual aids, demonstrations, and songs tailored to the pupils' age group. Data were collected through structured observation checklists and knowledge tests. Results showed that pupils in the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in correct handwashing technique and frequency compared to those in the control group (p less than 0.01). Post-intervention observation confirmed that 68 percent of intervention pupils consistently washed hands after using the toilet, compared to 19 percent at baseline. Teachers and school head teachers were identified as essential facilitators for sustaining health behaviour change beyond the intervention period. The study recommended the incorporation of hygiene education into the primary school curriculum across Zamfara State and the provision of functional handwashing stations in all rural schools. Keywords: handwashing, health education intervention, rural schools, Zamfara State, hygiene promotion