Investigation by a School Nurse of Primary School Teachers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour regarding School Hygiene

Abstract

Introduction: The school apart from its role to transmit knowledge and cultural values, also has responsibility to provide a healthy environment, in which the promotion of mental and physical health, the elimination of risk factors and prevention of diseases will be undeniable priorities. Aim: The purpose of this study was the investigation by a school nurse of primary school teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviour for hygiene in the school environment (building-equipment) relating to the prevention of communicable diseases. Method: This cross-sectional and correlational study was performed, following a pilot study, in a stratified random sample of primary schools teachers in a rural county between October and November 2011. The sample consisted of 405 teachers (response rate 75.14%). Data was collected with an anonymous questionnaire that was developed for the present study. Descriptive and correlational data analysis was performed with the statistical program SPSS 20.0. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was examined by Cronbach’s a. All measurements were performed at a=0,05 level of significance. Results: Teachers were found to have moderate knowledge about school hygiene. Significantly higher knowledge had women (p-value=0,029), those who had children (p-value=0,003) and those who had relevant education in school safety and health (p-value=0,002) and in First Aid (p-value=0,043). The mean total attitude score was 80.61; this means that teachers had a positive attitude about school hygiene, with men (p-value=0,044), those with a position of responsibility (p-value=0,000) and those with a specialty (p-value=0.003) had statistically significant more positive attitude. Behaviour was also found positive with teachers without specialty (p-value=0,004) and those with responsible educational positions (p-value=0,000) and relevant continuous education (p-value=0,007) having statistically significant more positive behaviour. Finally, it was found a positive, though weak, correlation between knowledge and attitude (r=0,108) and behaviour (r=0,125) and between the attitude and behaviour (r=0,149) concerning school hygiene. Conclusions: Primary school teachers were found to have gaps in their perceptions of school hygiene, although they had positive attitudes and behaviour in these matters that need further improvement. The findings of this study could be used to organize appropriate training for all teachers, so that they can contribute effectively in reducing risks for school hygiene.