ABHINAV ANIL SRIVASTAVA, SYED BELAL HASSAN AND AUSAF AHMAD
Abstract
This study investigates the social and environmental factors influencing hygiene practices among residents of urban slums in Lucknow, India, where cultural beliefs, socioeconomic status, and environmental conditions significantly impact hygiene. A cross-sectional survey of 100 participants aged 18 and above from four slums revealed significant gender disparity, with males dominating the sample. Alarmingly, only 22% of participants practice proper hand hygiene, while 32% engage in open defecation. Furthermore, 40% lack access to water for good hygiene, 55% cannot afford good hygiene practices, and 22% are unaware of the importance of handwashing. These findings highlight significant gaps in hygiene practices and access to resources, emphasizing the need to address these gaps to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and promote public health in these communities.