An Experimental Study: Impact of Hands-On Activities in Improving Students Sanitation Knowledge

Abstract

Introduction

This study examines the effectiveness of hands-on activities in improving students’ sanitation knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and learning experiences in a Philippine public high school. Sanitation—covering hygiene, waste management, and wastewater disposal—is a critical public health issue, particularly in school settings where poor practices contribute to preventable diseases and reduced educational outcomes. While sanitation education is commonly taught, evidence shows that knowledge alone does not consistently translate into proper hygiene behavior, highlighting the need for more engaging, experiential learning approaches.

Grounded in global (WHO, CDC, UNICEF) and national (DepEd WinS) frameworks, the study emphasizes that active, student-centered learning—such as handwashing demonstrations, waste segregation, and field sanitation inspections—can foster better retention, stronger attitudes, and sustainable hygiene habits. The literature review consistently shows that hands-on and participatory sanitation education is more effective than lecture-based instruction, especially when supported by adequate WASH facilities and repeated practice. Studies from the Philippines and other countries demonstrate that experiential learning leads to measurable improvements in sanitation practices, even when baseline knowledge is already high.

The research focuses on 20 senior high school students from the Pastorian Marshal Guild of Dr. Juan A. Pastor Integrated National High School during SY 2025–2026. Using a quantitative pre-test/post-test design, data were collected through Likert-scale questionnaires assessing sanitation awareness, attitudes, behaviors, and learning experiences before and after the intervention. The hands-on activities included proper handwashing, waste segregation and management, and field sanitation inspections.

Overall, the study aims to show that hands-on sanitation activities significantly enhance students’ understanding and application of hygiene practices, improve attitudes and behaviors, and provide more meaningful learning experiences. The findings are intended to inform students, teachers, school administrators, and policymakers, while also contributing to future research on effective, experiential sanitation education in schools.

Conclusion

From the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn: 1) The students\' level of awareness certainly aligned with the study\'s findings as these participants absorbed lessons in sanitation practices like hygiene, waste management, and disease prevention. 2) Students\' attitudes towards sanitation were positively shaped as the hands-on activities appreciated sanitation, understood the relevance of health, and took responsibility for sanitary activities and systems. 3) Students demonstrated improved sanitation behaviors by appropriately disposing of waste, washing hands more regularly, and responsibly using sanitation facilities, including at home. 4) Students were engaged and found the learning experience of the activities meaningful. They appreciated the hands-on activities for linking the lessons in sanitation to concrete situations, which enhanced their retention and practice of hygiene.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Medrano, Gabriel B., Mendoza, Althea H., Moral, Lu Jain Janelle O., Morete, Chrismarie R., Panganiban, Gayzelle G., Papasin, Sandra Rose L. . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.