Title:
Studying Hygiene and Sanitary Attitudes and Behaviors in the Rural Communities of the Region of Adjara of Georgia

Authors:
METREVELI Levan, DAVITULIANI Marika, KUPARADZE Khatuna, BARAMIDZE Levan, Georgia

Abstract:

Despite the impressive developments in the sector of school education of Georgia, many schools (even rehabilitated ones) are still in a desperate need for fresh running water and adequate toilet facilities. There is a strong correlation between the incidence of diarrheal diseases of presumed infectious origin and compromised WASH conditions. The diarrheal disease incidence is highest in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara of Georgia (3.24 times the national average). A qualitative research aimed at revealing the public knowledge and attitudes regarding handwashing standards and patterns has been conducted in different rural municipalities of Adjara by administering 12 focus group discussions with 72 adults and 72 children of school age. The content and ethnographic analysis was conducted through a “three-element coding framework”. Our findings underscore the lack/shortage of resources/supplies in school WASH units (soap and water) as well as the presence of inadequate sanitation facilities. In addition, hygiene practices have been heavily influenced by the knowledge and attitudes towards handwashing. Handwashing practices at home differ from the ones at school (most children wash their hands once a day or do not wash at all, while they practice it more frequently at home). This confirms the need for integrating handwashing and hygiene issues in school curricula. The school-based hygiene education is vital for effective reduction of incidence rates of diarrheal and other infectious diseases among children.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2021.5309