Implications of the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Programamong Junior High School Students of Sico 1.0 National High School (Grade 7 -12)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Hygiene and sanitation are essential to good health. The promotion of health and sanitation in the school has a major effect to the students learning outcomes and practice lifelong positive hygiene behaviors. The Department of Education has crafted the Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program for the promotion of correct hygiene and sanitation practices among school children and clean environment in and around schools to keep learners safe and healthy. Often, this program is implemented, yet it is not enough to meet the standard requirements due to some health problems encountered by the learners. To properly deal with these problems, the researchers intended to focus on the implications of WinS Program in the health and sanitation among Junior High School Students of Sico 1.0 National High School for SY 2017-2018 and aimed to find out its effect on students' academic performance. Moreover, it facilitated the analysis into the effectiveness of the program to achieve the desired learning outcomes in different subject areas and to improve the extent of participation of learners in their personal hygiene every day that they can also apply at home.

METHODS

Multiple method designs were used. Quasi-experimental design was used to 855 respondents who have the same chance of being assigned to the comparison group. Descriptive method was used to describe and observe the behavior of the respondents regarding health and sanitation.

RESULTS

The implications of the WinS Program among Junior High School Students were: (1) less absenteeism of the students in school, (2) improved learning outcomes, (3) enhanced positive attitudes and behavior on health and sanitation, (4) improved physical and emotional health, and (5) promoted a child-friendly environment. Since then, the school became the Best Implementer of WinS for School Year 2017-2018.

DISCUSSIONS

The results of the study were needed to effectively implement the program on health and sanitation, promote consistent monitoring on learners' overall wellness, achieve higher learning outcomes, and encourage the involvement of other stakeholders of the school.