Hand Hygiene Among Children and Teenagers from Defavourised Areas

Hand hygiene is a critical aspect of personal and public health, yet its implementation remains a challenge, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children from disadvantaged families. This study aims to identify hand hygiene issues among children and adolescents in Timis County, focusing on hygiene practices within disadvantaged communities. Drawing upon the World Health Organization's definition of hygiene and the significance of hand hygiene in preventing pathogen transmission, this study delves into the microbial dynamics of the skin, emphasizing the role of contaminated hands in disease transmission. Factors influencing hand hygiene practices, including access to sanitation facilities and knowledge gaps, are explored, highlighting global disparities in handwashing behaviors. The study underscores the pivotal role of education in promoting hand hygiene and environmental health, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to instill lifelong habits. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges faced by institutions caring for vulnerable children, where inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to heightened disease risks. By examining the correlation between poor hygiene practices and the prevalence of respiratory and digestive infections among children, the study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve hygiene behaviors. Additionally, the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on hand hygiene practices is discussed, emphasizing the heightened importance of hand hygiene amidst public health crises.