Introduction: India is undergoing an epidemiologic, demographic and health transition. The expectancy of life has increased, with a consequent rise in degenerative diseases of ageing and lifestyles. Nevertheless,
communicable diseases are still dominant and constitute major public health issues. There are several factors associated with the control of communicable diseases, such as hygiene, sanitation and safe drinking water, which are interlinked. Inadequate sanitary conditions and poor hygiene practices play major roles in the increased burden of communicable diseases.
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the knowledge about communicable diseases and practices of proper hygiene measures, among school-going children in and around Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Methodology: A survey was conducted among the students of an English and Tamil medium school using a basic questionnaire.
Results: An overall lower percentile scores were obtained by children from Tamil medium schools.
Conclusion: There is a definite need for intense campaigns for the promotion of good oral and personal hygiene practices better aimed at the prevention of communicable diseases in local regional language
medium schools in India.
