To determine the effect of a planned handwashing education on the handwashing behaviour of the first graders

This semi-experimental research was made in order to determine the effect of a planned handwashing education on the handwashing behaviour of the first graders. Research was conducted between 5th and 16th of March, 2012 at the four elementary schools among which are the members of Altındağ District Directorate for National Education under Ankara Provincial Directorate for National Education. Number of samples were calculated according to the matched pairs t test. Research was performed on total 232 first graders. Data, gathered via Student Information Form and Hand-Washing Skill Evaluation Form, were assessed by McNemar test which recorded through SPSS 16.0 Programme.It was assessed that most of the first graders reflected the education they have taken to the practice. It was observed that the students succeeded on the hand-washing steps with the 80% with respect to pre-handwashing education.A significant statistical difference was established between following the pre and post hand-washing steps on pleating the clothes, openning the tap, lathering the hands with the soap, rubbing the hands with the remaining foam on the hands after closing the tap, cleaning the finger spacings including the thumb by rubbing the hands, cleaning the wrists by rubbing, rinsing the foam by washing the hands by rubbing after opening the tap-rinsing the hands, cleaning the tap by pouring some water on it and closing the tap. No significant difference was observed on the step of taking some water in the hand before and after the education. Also education had no effect on the drying the hands.It was concluded that the education affected on improving knowledge and skills of students in hand hygiene. Presence of school health nurse in schools can provide a significant contribution improving life-style behaviours and hand hygiene skills.Keywords: Hand Washing, Hand Hygiene Education, School Health Nursing