Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practise (KAP) Regarding Swachh Bharat Mission Among High School Students in Field Practise Area of Medical College in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

Background: India generates about 60 million tonnes of garbage every day, of this around 45 to 50 million tonnes is left untreated. Wastes are thrown on the streets. Open defecation is still a problem in rural India. All these actions cause health hazards among population.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Swachh Bharat among 8th to 10th standard students.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in seven government high schools in the field practice area of a medical college in Mangalore. A total of 441 government high school students from 8th to 10th standard were included in the study. Collection of data was done by interview method using pretested semi structured questionnaire.

Results: Total of 441 students were included in the study. 55.32% were boys and 44.68% were girls. According to scoring done for students, 84.35% had good knowledge, 95.23% had good attitude but only 50.34% had good practice about environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene.

Conclusion: To improve the good practice various health educations and practical demonstrations about the cleanliness and benefits of practicing them can be conducted as school-based initiatives to create awareness among students.