A Cross–sectional Study on Environment and Sanitation in Government and Private Schools of a Rural Area of Haryana

Neelu Saluja; Seema Sharma; SM Pandey; G. Bagoria; S. Malik

Volume : VII, Issue : IX, September - 2018

A Cross–sectional Study on Environment and Sanitation in Government and Private Schools of a Rural Area of Haryana

Neelu Saluja, Seema Sharma, Sm Pandey, G. Bagoria, S. Malik

Abstract :

Background:Appropriate sanitation in schools is fundamental for effectivelearning and prevention of diseases prone to children.Objectives:1. To assess the state of environment and sanitation facilities in government and Private schools of rural area of Hisar, Haryana.2. To compare the state of environment and sanitation facilities in government and Private schools of rural area of Hisar, Haryana. Setting andStudy Design: Government and Private Schools of rural area of Hisar, Cross–sectional.Methodology:TenGovernment Schools and ten Private Schools were randomly selected for the study. Statistical Analysis: Percentages and Fischer�s Exact test . Result:All the ten government schools and 50% of the private schools were located centrally with approach roads and at a fair distance from busy places. Five (50%) private schools had less than 10 square feet per capita space in the classrooms and hence were overcrowded. All the government schools and only 20% of the private schools had appropriate structure as per recommendations of the School Health Committee. All the government schools and 80% of the private schools had desks and benches for the children but the recommended minus desk and chairs with back rest was not present in any school. Day light and ventilation in terms of floor, door/window area and cross ventilation was observed to be adequate in all the government schools. However in case of private schools ventilation and lightening was found to be adequate in 50% and 80% of the schools respectively. Separate latrines for boys and girls could be found only in government schools. Urinals were present only in 50% of government schools. Nine government and only one private school had a playground. First aid and emergency care facility was available in two (20%) private school.

Conclusion:Environment and sanitation facilities at many of the schools are not fully satisfactory.