A study on awareness about personal hygiene among high school girls in gadag district, Karnataka

Personal hygiene is an important predictor of health and well-being, especially among adolescent girls, because it prevents communicable infections, supports reproductive health, and boosts self-esteem. The purpose of this empirical study was to determine the level of personal hygiene awareness among high school girls in Gadag District, Karnataka, as well as the factors that influence their hygiene knowledge and practices. A descriptive research approach was used, with data obtained from high school females via a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire measured awareness of hand hygiene, oral hygiene, menstrual hygiene, bathing habits, nail care, hair care, and the usage of sanitary items. The acquired data was examined using descriptive and inferential statistical approaches. The results showed that although most respondents had enough knowledge of fundamental personal hygiene practices, there were notable gaps in their understanding of managing menstrual hygiene and preventing infections. Parental education, school health education programs, and access to health information were all positively correlated with awareness levels. In order to promote healthy habits among teenage females, the study emphasizes the necessity of extensive school-based health education programs, frequent awareness campaigns, and better access to hygienic facilities. The results offer educators, medical experts, and legislators useful information for creating focused initiatives to raise knowledge of personal hygiene and enhance the general health of high school girls in Karnataka's Gadag District.