Assessment of Hygiene Practices and Health Status of Primary School Children in Nasarawa State

This study assesses the personal hygiene practices and health status of primary school children in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Poor hygiene in school-age children is a principal driver of preventable infections including soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trachoma, and diarrhoeal diseases, all of which are common in rural Nigerian communities. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets 300 primary school children aged 6 to 12, and their teachers, in Keffi and Akwanga local government areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical observation checklists. Objectives include assessing the frequency and quality of personal hygiene practices, examining the prevalence of hygiene-related health complaints, and identifying school environmental factors influencing hygiene behaviour. Recent literature from North Central Nigeria confirms low rates of handwashing with soap and poor sanitation infrastructure as critical determinants of school children's health outcomes. Data were analysed using frequency tables, mean scores, and chi-square. The Social Learning Theory underpins the study, emphasising the role of modelling and reinforcement in shaping hygiene habits in children. Findings are anticipated to reveal significant associations between hygiene facilities availability and hygiene behaviour. Recommendations target the Nasarawa State Ministry of Education, school administrators, and the WASH programme implementers to improve school water and sanitation infrastructure. Keywords: hygiene practices, health status, primary school children, WASH, Nasarawa State.