Parental Awareness and Health Protocol Practices on HFMD Among Caregivers of Grades 1–3 Pupils in Aklan

A Correlational Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59652/1yxy4c21

Keywords:

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Caregivers

Abstract

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) continues to pose a public health concern in school-aged children, yet parental understanding and compliance with health measures remain erratic. This study assessed the level of parental awareness and health protocol practices regarding HFMD and examined the relationship between these variables among caregivers of Grade 1 to 3 pupils in a public elementary school in Aklan, Philippines. A quantitative correlational research design was employed. Data were gathered from 166 randomly selected parents and caregivers using a validated, researcher-developed survey composed of 16 true/false items on awareness and 16 Likert-scale items on protocol adherence. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho correlation were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results showed that overall awareness was moderate (M=10.67, SD=2.02), with lowest scores in etiology (54.97%) and transmission (60.84%) and highest in pathophysiology (80.87%). Health protocol practice was also moderate (M=2.96, SD=0.87), with variable adherence across promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation behaviors. A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between awareness and practice (r=0.220, p=0.004). These findings indicate that while awareness contributes to better adherence, knowledge alone does not guarantee consistent compliance with preventive measures. Strengthening targeted health education and implementing behavior-focused interventions are recommended to enhance prevention efforts. The study supports the integration of school-based hygiene programs and community-driven health campaigns to reduce HFMD transmission in early childhood settings.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr. Raphael Kevin Nagal, USRN, PHRN, Aklan State University; National Research Council of the Philippines

    NRCP Associate Member, Division I

  • Dr. Donna Lariosa, Aklan State University

    Dean, Aklan State University, College of Arts and Sciences

  • Mrs. Joan Agustin, RN, MAN, Aklan State University

    Instructor III, Aklan State University, College of Nursing

  • Ms. Joanna Grace Invina, RN, Aklan State University

    Instructor, Aklan State University, College of Nursing

  • Mrs. Ma. Ellen Teston, RN, MAN, Aklan State University

    Instructor, Aklan State University, College of Nursing

  • Mrs. Bergen Julie Fretch Estanislao, RN, MAN, Aklan State University

    Instructor, Aklan State University, College of Nursing

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Published

2025-11-25

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 4 (2025): Annals of Innovation in Medicine

Section

Research Articles

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How to Cite

1.
Nagal RK, Lariosa D, Agustin J, Invina JG, Teston ME, Estanislao BJF. Parental Awareness and Health Protocol Practices on HFMD Among Caregivers of Grades 1–3 Pupils in Aklan: A Correlational Study. AIM [Internet]. 2025 Nov. 25 [cited 2026 Oct. 17];3(4). Available from: https://journals.eikipub.com/index.php/AIM-Medicine/article/view/666