The Relationship Between Personal Hygiene Behaviour and The Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) at Class IIA Correctional Institution Kendal

Abstract

Background: The incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) at the Class IIA Correctional Institution in
Kendal is notably high. ARI consistently ranks as the most frequent illness each month. Previous studies
have indicated that one of the contributing factors to ARI is poor personal hygiene behaviour. Objective:
This study aims to analyse the relationship between personal hygiene behaviour and the incidence of ARI
at the Class IIA Correctional Institution in Kendal. Methods: This quantitative study employed a crosssectional
research
design
with
a
sample
of
294
inmates
from
the
Class
IIA
Correctional
Institution
in
Kendal.

The
sample

was selected using a total sampling technique, which included all inmates at the facility. The
study used the chi-square test for analysis. Results: The personal hygiene variable showed a significant
relationship with the incidence of ARI at the Class IIA Correctional Institution in Kendal. P-value in the
Pearson Chi-Square test was 0.000. personal hygiene indicators such as knowledge, attitude, support from
healthcare workers, peer support, community leader support, and access to information and media, all
play a role in influencing ARI incidence at the Class IIA Correctional Institution in Kendal. Therefore, there
is a need for measured health promotion efforts to improve inmates' personal hygiene behaviour.