Objective: To assess knowledge and practices regarding hand-washing among mothers of children aged ≤5 years.
Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2015 in rural areas of Union Council Charwa, Tehsil Pasrur in District Sialkot, Pakistan, and comprised mothers of children aged ≤5 years. Data was collected using a pre-tested and validated structured questionnaire developed in line with World health Organisation guidelines on hand-washing technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 17.
Results: Of the 422 subjects, 319 (75.4%) had sufficient knowledge and 104 (24.6%) showed good practices regarding hand-washing. However, only 59 (14%) mothers were found adherent to the appropriate technique of hand-washing.
Conclusions: Health education and behaviour-changing communication approaches must be implemented to educate the masses about proper hand-washing technique.
Keywords: Knowledge, Practices, Hand-washing, Mothers, Health education, Pakistan..