Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: This article is an attempt to understand the impact of quality education of hygienic and sanitation practices among adolescent girls in secondary schools of Bhubaneswar, Odisha on their professional career. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The study is primarily based on exploratory research, observational approach and consultation through field visits during the study process. The authors used semi structured interview schedule for quantitative information. Case studies and Focus Group Discussion tools were applied for qualitative analysis. For the sample, adolescent girl students, studying between standard 8 to 10, in 10 government secondary schools were selected. Great care was undertaken to draw the sample from similar socio-economic backgrounds. While correlation statistical methods were used for quantitative factors, qualitative factors were evaluated through critical investigations. Findings: The study is purely event based exploratory research and addressing core values at ground zero. The study aims to focus on the understanding of the cultural practice of personal hygiene for adolescent girls and how it is impacting on their career growth from the entry stage. It also tries to examine efficacy of institutional initiatives for providing personal hygiene and sanitation practices at the school level. The initial study suggested that inadequate coping mechanisms and deprivation of basic sanitary facilities hurts self-control, thereby, leading to dropouts from the schools. It was felt that the pro-active role of teachers in counseling and understanding the psychosocial circumstance could play a major role in reduction of innumerable dropouts of adolescent girl students. Provision for sanitary facilities exclusively for girl students, may be low cost, may contribute in retaining girl students. Application/Improvements: The study exploratory research. This is a new insight to practicality, psycho social theory and effective management model. This research paper has relevant implications and concludes with a number of future research ideas.

Keywords: Adolescent Girl, Culture, Hygiene, Management Model, Sanitation