MGH Guides: Hygiene: Hygiene

Hygiene

Hygiene refers to behaviors that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health, such as frequent hand washing, face washing, and bathing with soap and water. In many areas of the world, practicing personal hygiene etiquette is difficult due to lack of clean water and soap. Many diseases can be spread if the hands, face, or body are not washed appropriately at key times. (from CDC)

(from https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk)

Data

Hygiene Fast Facts
Facts on water-related hygiene routines from the CDC.
How to help someone you care for keep clean
Areas of personal hygiene that people caring for others should be aware of.
Global Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene (WASH)
Information on the international WASH movement from the CDC.

Evidence

Acceptability measures of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions in low- and middle-income countries, a systematic review.
Hosking, R., O’Connor, S. Y., Wangdi, K., Kurscheid, J., & Lal, A. (2022). Acceptability measures of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions in low- and middle-income countries, a systematic review. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 16(9), e0010702. https://doi-org.treadwell.idm.oclc.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010702
The Effect of Hygiene Habits on the State of Illness in Secondary School Students.
Odek, O., & Albayrak, S. (2022). The Effect of Hygiene Habits on the State of Illness in Secondary School Students. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 15(2), 1505–1512.
Fear of Hospital-Acquired Infections: The Combined Impact of Patient's Hygiene Sensitivity and Perceived Staff Preventive Behavior.
Bulmash, B., Ben-Assuli, O., & Amar, M. (2020). Fear of Hospital-Acquired Infections: The Combined Impact of Patient’s Hygiene Sensitivity and Perceived Staff Preventive Behavior. Journal of Community Health, 45(6), 1211–1219. https://doi-org.treadwell.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00857-1
Unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene: a persistent health burden
Unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene: a persistent health burden. (2023). Saudi Medical Journal, 44(10), 1067.

Handouts

Hand Hygiene: Why, How, & When?
from WHO.
Personal Hygiene Tips For Kids
from Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Hygiene Posters
from the CDC.

Activity Ideas & Library Resources

Here are some examples of materials that you can check out from the Library. Stop by to see what else we have.

Glitterbug Hand Washing and Sanitizing kit
Call Number: INF HYG GLITTER
Teach and test both hand-sanitizer application technique and handwashing skills.
Hide and Seek Germ Powder with UV Lamp
Call Number: INF HYG HIDE
This hands-on activity teaches students about the importance of proper hand washing and good hygiene.
5 Minute Hygiene and Safety Activities for Elementary Students
Call Number: SAF INJ FIVE
Activity ideas on a variety of hygiene and safety topics
Healthy Me II: Good Hygiene [DVD]
Call Number: INF HYG HEAL
DVD and activity kit to teach kids in grades 3-6 about good hygiene
Germ Smart by Judith K. Scheer; Nina Paley
Call Number: INF HYG GERM
ISBN: 1560710152
Activity book to teach children about hygiene and disease prevention

Staying clean and healthy: Creative activities for teaching basic personal hygiene habits
Call Number: INF HYG STAYI

Hygiene Apps

The following are apps that can be used with clients to address hygiene skills and routines:

iDo Hygiene
This app is an innovative and comprehensive app for learning common personal hygiene daily activities. The app includes 12 units and a game addressing, shampooing, face washing, hand washing, showering, teeth brushing, deodorant application, shaving, hair brushing, making a ponytail, and bathrooming in a private and public bathroom.
Daily Tasks
This app provides three activities to keep children engaged in teeth brushing, showering and shampooing. This app helps to improve fine motor and concentration skills.
Dirty Kids
This app is a hygiene game for young children. This app teaches basic hygiene skills through fun interactive characters and games.
Ella's Hand Washing Adventure
This app is an interactive game to teach children hand washing skills.
Brush Up
This app is a training game that teaches children toothbrushing skills. This app also includes a timer and songs.
Brusheez
This app teaches children toothbrushing skills through an interactive game.
Healthy Island
Healthy Island is a fun, replayable, game for children ages 7–11 years old. It encourages them to think about health and wellbeing choices in three areas: exercise, healthy eating and dental health.