Hygiene Attitudes, Behaviors, and Health Perception Among Students of Home Patient and Elderly Care Programs

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to examine the relationship between health perception and hygiene-related attitudes and behaviors among university students enrolled in associate degree programs in Elderly Care and Home Patient Care.
METHODS: This study employed a correlational and descriptive research design. The study population consisted of all students enrolled in Home Patient Care or Elderly Care programs at universities during the 2020–2021 academic year. A total of 847 students from 12 different universities participated in the study. Data were collected online between February and June 2021. The data collection tools included the “Descriptive Characteristics Information Form,” the “Hygiene Behavior Scale (HBS),” and the “Health Perception Scale (HPS).”
RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 19.95±2.44 years. Of the participants, 68% were female and 58% were 1st-year students. The mean total score on the HBS was 37.7±6.75, whereas the mean total score on the HPS was 53.57±7.60. A statistically significant difference was found between students’ mean HBS scores and their gender, place of residence, and economic status. In addition, a significant difference was observed between their mean HPS scores and their economic status.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings of the study revealed a statistically significant relationship between students’ hygiene behaviors and their health perceptions. It was observed that as students’ health perception decreased, negative hygiene behaviors increased.