Environmental Hygiene and Its Health Implications: A Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Women in Urban Slum
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Environmental hygiene encompasses both natural elements, such as air, water, and vegetation, and human-made components, including housing, transportation, waste, and technology, all of which significantly impact public health.In low-resource settings such as urban slums, poor housing, overcrowding, and lack of basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity create serious health risks, particularly for women and children.Women play a central role in maintaining household hygiene, yet their practices are often constrained by limited knowledge and inadequate resources.This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of women regarding environmental hygiene in selected urban slum areas.Using simple random sampling, 500 households were surveyed through structured interviews and direct observations, with an emphasis on demographic factors and their association with hygiene behavior.Findings revealed significant gaps in hygiene knowledge and practices, underscoring the vulnerability of these communities.The results underscore the pressing need for targeted health education, awareness campaigns, and enhanced access to sanitation facilities.Strengthening women's hygiene literacy and providing supportive infrastructure are crucial steps toward improving public health and fostering healthier living environments in urban slums.
Author: Vidhya Jayakumar
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7166796848