Knowledge and Behavior Toward Handwashing with Soap Among Mothers of Under-Five Children in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

Handwashing with soap is a highly cost-effective preventive measure against diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections in young children. This study assessed the knowledge and handwashing behavior of mothers and primary caregivers of children under five in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, structured questionnaire interviews were administered to 340 mothers selected through multi-stage sampling. Structured observations of actual handwashing behavior were conducted at critical times following defecation, before food preparation, and before feeding children. Handwashing facility assessments were also performed at each household. Results showed that ninety-three percent of respondents knew that handwashing prevented disease, but only thirty-four percent correctly identified all five critical handwashing moments. Observational data revealed that soap was used in only twenty-eight percent of observed handwashing events. Functional handwashing stations with consistent soap availability were found in only twenty-one percent of households. Education level and exposure to handwashing promotion messages through radio and community health workers were significantly associated with better practice. Households in which mothers engaged in income-generating activities outside the home reported lower practice rates, suggesting time constraints as a barrier. Recommendations include radio-based hygiene promotion campaigns, community health worker demonstrations, and integration of handwashing promotion into routine child health services in Kaduna State. Keywords: handwashing, soap, mothers, under-five children, Kaduna State.