Designing and Evaluating a School-based Hand Washing Program in Malawi

Designing and Evaluating a School-based Hand Washing Program in Malawi

The aim of the study is to design and evaluate a school-based hand washing program for children in Malawi, Sub-Saharan Africa, using a cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT), so as to improve proper hand washing, increase knowledge level and also reduce school absenteeism.

A cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT) design with pre-, mid- and post-interventions and follow-up measures will be randomized into intervention or control groups. A simplified 5-steps hand washing program will be implemented in the intervention group while the control group will continue with their usual practice where schoolchildren do not follow any standard recommended handwashing technique.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Schools that have piped tap water source situated in Mzuzu City,
• Private primary schools,
• Children in elementary one and six,
• Written parental consent allowing their child to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Schools without piped tap water source,
• Government primary schools,
• Children whose parents will not give consent.