Background of the Study:
Adolescence is a critical period for the development of hygiene behaviors that influence lifelong health. In Kano State, Nigeria, adolescents often lack adequate knowledge about proper hygiene practices, leading to increased risks of infectious diseases, particularly in school settings where close contact is common (Usman et al., 2023). School-based health education programs have been shown to effectively improve hygiene practices among adolescents by raising awareness and promoting behavioral changes (Okafor & Durojaiye, 2024). These programs are essential in schools, where children are not only educated academically but also have the opportunity to adopt health-promoting behaviors that can persist into adulthood.
In Kano State, health education programs in schools aim to address hygiene issues such as handwashing, sanitation, menstrual hygiene, and prevention of infectious diseases. However, despite the implementation of these programs, many adolescents still engage in poor hygiene practices, which could be attributed to factors like inadequate resources, lack of training for educators, and cultural stigmas surrounding certain hygiene topics (Aminu et al., 2025). Understanding the impact of these programs on adolescent hygiene behavior is crucial to improving their effectiveness and ensuring long-term public health benefits.
Statement of the Problem:
Although school-based health education programs have been implemented in Kano State to address hygiene issues among adolescents, there is limited evidence on the extent of their impact on students' hygiene practices. Poor hygiene among adolescents in Kano State remains a concern, with significant health implications. This study aims to examine how school-based health education programs affect the hygiene practices of adolescents and identify factors that influence their success or failure.
Objectives of the Study:
Research Questions:
Research Hypotheses:
Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on secondary schools in Kano State, Nigeria, evaluating the impact of school-based health education programs on hygiene practices. It will be limited to adolescent students within these schools. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data from students and teachers, as well as the variability in program implementation across different schools.
Definitions of Terms: