Evaluation of Hygiene Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Mothers in a Selected Barangay Community in Iloilo, Philippines: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Good hygiene practices play a crucial role in preventing common illnesses, but their effectiveness depends on socioeconomic, educational, and cultural factors that shape how mothers care for their children. This study examined the hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers in a selected barangay in Iloilo City. Poor hygiene remains a common cause of preventable diseases in many communities, especially among children. Mothers play an important role in maintaining family health, yet challenges in hygiene behavior may still exist. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship among mothers’ hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices, and to identify differences based on socio-economic factors. A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational design was used among 368 mothers selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Results revealed that 62.5% of mothers had low hygiene knowledge, 58.7% demonstrated low attitudes, and 54.3% exhibited moderate hygiene practices. No significant relationship was found between mothers’ attitudes and their hygiene practices. Socio-economic factors such as civil status, education, and employment were not significantly associated with hygiene practices. However, the number of children and living arrangements showed significant differences, with mothers in larger or blended families demonstrating better practices. To conclude, hygiene practices were influenced more by family support systems than by attitudes alone. This identifies the need for community-based programs that strengthen hygiene education and provide practical support to mothers, especially those in single-parent households, to improve overall family health.