KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF PERSONAL HYGIENE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, ZARIA, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Poor personal hygiene and health-related problems, particularly waterborne diseases, remain major public health concerns on many university campuses, especially in Nigerian universities where inadequate infrastructure, poor hygiene education, and limited access to sanitation facilities and potable water supply persist. This research study examined the knowledge and perception of personal hygiene among students of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State. A descriptive survey research design was employed in the study. The study population comprised all students of the Federal University of
Education, Zaria, Kaduna State. A multi-stage sampling procedure, incorporating stratified, simple random, and systematic random sampling techniques, was used to select 200 consenting respondents for the study. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument included sections on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and perception of personal hygiene among students. The questionnaire was validated and pilot-tested, yielding a reliability index of 0.80, confirming its internal consistency. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered, completed, and successfully retrieved for analysis. A 30-point knowledge scale was used to assess awareness of the risks
associated with poor personal hygiene. Knowledge scores were categorized as follows:≤10: Poor knowledge; >10–20: Fair knowledge and >20: Good knowledge. The perception of personal hygiene was assessed using a 5-point scale, where scores ≤34 indicated a negative perception, and scores >34 indicated a positive perception of personal hygiene. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and a one-sample t-test at a significance level of p = 0.05. The findings revealed a significant gender difference in knowledge of personal hygiene and variations in perception based on academic level among undergraduate students of the Federal University of Education, Zaria. Based on the findings, it was recommended that undergraduate students should be encouraged to sustain and improve their knowledge and perception of personal hygiene
through increased awareness programs utilizing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategies.