

Children wash hands to prevent flu and other illness
The Issue

I need to wash my hands!
What Has ANR Done?
Handwashing is part of the evidence-based nutrition education curricula that UC Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP) educators use to train teachers. The teachers then deliver to their students the lessons on the importance of handwashing and proper steps to wash hands. The UC FSNEP evaluation workgroup developed a retrospective survey to determine if positive changes in student and teacher health behaviors were linked to delivery of FSNEP nutrition education curriculum. The “Teacher Observation Tool” was piloted during the 2008-2009 school year. Educators sent the survey weblink to teachers in Fresno, Tulare and Santa Clara counties.The Payoff
FSNEP students wash hands more often
Reporting for 946 students in grades 3 through 6, 34 teachers completed the confidential online survey. When asked if they agree with the statement, “Compared to the beginning of the school year, more students now wash hands more often”, 32% of teachers strongly agreed, 62% agreed, and 6% were not sure or were unable to observe. Clearly, the students were aware of the importance of handwashing and practiced this behavior more often. We expect that increased handwashing will help prevent illness, which will improve student attendance rates.Clientele Testimonial
Teacher comments: “FSNEP germ lesson helped influence handwashing;” “Now they have a set time before eating lunch to wash hands - I have noticed less sick students when they consistently practice handwashing;” “Children always wash their hands before eating;” “During flu and cold season, they talk a lot about practicing personal hygiene, covering mouth when they sneeze and washing their hands.”Contact
Supporting Unit:
UC FSNEP Evaluation WorkgroupMarisa Neelon, mqneelon@ucdavis.edu, (925) 646-6128
Brenda Roche, bkroche@ucdavis.edu, (323)260-3299