Assessment of Handwashing Practices Among Primary School Pupils in Jigawa State

This study assesses handwashing practices among primary school pupils in Jigawa State, North West Nigeria. Handwashing with soap at critical moments is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, yet compliance remains low among school-age children in northern Nigeria due to facility inadequacies and limited hygiene education. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets 300 pupils in Classes 4 to 6 in public primary schools across Dutse and Hadejia local government areas. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, knowledge tests, and structured observations using a behavioural checklist. Objectives include assessing pupils' knowledge of handwashing principles, observing their actual handwashing behaviour at school, and determining the influence of school WASH facilities on handwashing compliance. Recent literature from North West Nigeria documents that fewer than 30 percent of primary school pupils consistently practise proper handwashing at school, largely due to absent soap and inadequate water points. Data were analysed using mean scores, chi-square, and frequency distributions. The Theory of Planned Behaviour guides the study by linking intentions and perceived behavioural control to actual handwashing practices. Findings are anticipated to reveal a significant gap between knowledge and practice, mediated by facility availability. Recommendations target the Jigawa State Ministry of Education, UNICEF partners, and school health authorities to rehabilitate school WASH infrastructure. Keywords: handwashing, hygiene practices, primary school pupils, WASH, Jigawa State.