HOW AN UNCLEAN AND INADEQUATE SCHOOL RESTROOM

CAN HARM STUDENTS’ HEALTH AND LEARNING

A Research Study

Presented to the Senior High School Department

Sta. Monica High School

In partial fulfillment to the subject

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

By:

Baac, Alankarl

Moren, Alexander

Sailama, Aljeb

Forones, Jennelyn

Abina, Leslyn

Lyyn, Rish faith

Zyrus Batoy
ABSTRACT

Researcher
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

According to Gemerlyn Pilarca. ”The comfort room, or restroom, is a critical

component of any educational institution, as it plays a vital role in meeting the basic needs of
students and contributing to a conducive learning environment. “Adequate and well-maintained
comfort rooms not only address the basic physiological needs of students but also contribute to
their overall health and well-being. This, in turn, can positively impact their academic
performance and engagement, creating a more productive and enriching educational experience.
The significance of proper sanitation extends beyond the immediate comfort and well-being of
students. As mentioned in the UNICEF (2000) quote, poor sanitation can lead to the infestation
of worm infections, particularly in children. These infections can have significant health and
energy-related costs, further underscoring the importance of maintaining clean and functional
comfort rooms within schools. Furthermore, the condition of the comfort room can be viewed as
a reflection of the school’s commitment to providing a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for
its students. Well-maintained facilities can foster a sense of pride and ownership among the
student body, encouraging responsible behavior and respect for the shared spaces.

According to Anna Caperson, “The cleanliness level of a school restroom has been shown
to impact the students’ perspectives on the school as a whole — and their decision on whether or
not to use the bathroom facilities provided.” The cleanliness and overall condition of school
facilities, including restrooms, have long been a topic of interest for educational researchers and
administrators. Prior studies have shown that the physical environment of schools can have a
significant impact on students’ experiences, behaviours, and academic outcomes. However
“When students avoid unsanitary and smelly restroom facilities, it can create a variety of
problems” Paul Yonash (2020) In the context of educational environments, the avoidance of
unsanitary and unpleasant smell restroom facilities among students presents a significant concern
with various impacts. The avoidance of unclean restrooms can lead to physical discomfort, health
concerns, disruptions to learning, and general dissatisfaction among students.

Despite the potential significance of restroom conditions, this aspect of the school
environment often remains overlooked. Additional research is needed to better understand how
restroom cleanliness shapes students’ perceptions and behaviours related to restroom usage.

This study focuses on how dirty and inadequate school restrooms can harm students’
health and learning. It explores how unclean restrooms affect students’ physical health, make
them uncomfortable, and distract them from learning. By understanding these effects, we can see
why it’s important to have clean and functional restrooms in schools. This research aims to help
improve restroom facilities and create a better learning environment for students.

Statement of the Problem

Unclean school restrooms can cause students to have a negative perception of their
institution and its leaders, reflecting poorly on the school’s management and lowering their
overall opinion of the school (Bradley Corporation, 2019). In terms of learning, the state of
school restrooms can influence students’ overall perception of the school, with poorly maintained
facilities reflecting poorly on the institution and its leaders. This negative perception can lead to
decreased motivation and engagement in the learning environment. Additionally, the lack of
clean and functional restrooms can cause students to avoid drinking water or eating during
school hours, leading to decreased concentration and cognitive abilities.

Research Questions

 What do you think about the condition of the school restrooms?

 How dirty or not-good-enough restrooms make you feel?
 How do unclean or poorly functioning school restrooms affect your ability to concentrate
and learn effectively?
  How can school restrooms be improved to better support your learning experience?

Significance of the Study

The current study will beneficial to the following:

Students: The study will provide insights into the impact of dirty and inadequate
school restrooms on their health and learning, helping them understand the importance of
clean and functional restrooms for their well-being and academic performance.

Parents and Guardians: The study will raise awareness among parents and guardians
about the importance of clean and functional school restrooms for their children’s health
and academic success, encouraging them to advocate for better restroom facilities in
schools.

Teachers: The study will offer practical recommendations for improving school
restroom cleanliness and functionality, enabling teachers to create a healthier and more
conducive learning environment for their students. Teachers will also benefit from the
study’s findings by being able to advocate for better restroom facilities in their schools,
leading to improved health and academic success for their students.

Future Researchers: The study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on
the impact of school restroom cleanliness and functionality on students’ health and
learning, providing a foundation for future research in this area.

The findings of the study will be beneficial for the students in understanding how an
unclean and inadequate restroom can detrimentally impact their learning and health. This
knowledge can empower students to advocate for better restroom facilities in schools, leading to
improved well-being and academic performance. According to Mark Kennedy (2012)”Having
clean, safe, well-maintained washrooms may not enhance a school’s reputation—the good
maintenance practices may not provide any clues about the quality of the teachers or how well
students are performing. But when an education facility neglects washrooms and lets them
become unsanitary and unsafe havens for vandalism and bullying, that can affect the health and
morale of students and staff.”
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The participants of the study are the Grade TVL 1, 2 and 3 Senior High School students
of Sta. Monica High School, Bgy. Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Province of Palawan.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter explains the related literatures and studies supporting the current study.

Related literature

Influence on Student Learning

The condition of school restrooms can also impact students’ ability to focus and
concentrate in the classroom. A study by Huisman et al. (2018) revealed that students
who had access to clean and well-equipped restrooms performed better academically
compared to those with inadequate facilities. The researchers found that students who had
to use poorly maintained restrooms experienced feelings of disgust, distraction, and
embarrassment, which impeded their ability to concentrate on their studies.

Furthermore, the lack of privacy and safety in substandard restrooms can create a
hostile environment that hinders students’ learning experiences. A study by Johnson
(2015) highlighted that students, particularly females, may avoid using restrooms that
lack proper locks, lighting, and cleanliness. This avoidance behavior can result in
discomfort, urinary tract infections, and a reluctance to attend school, ultimately affecting
students’ educational outcomes.

Impact on Student Health

 A clean and well-maintained restroom is essential for maintaining good hygiene
and preventing the spread of infections among students. According to a study by Chen et
al. (2016), unsanitary restrooms in schools can serve as breeding grounds for various
pathogens, leading to an increased risk of illness among students. Inadequate sanitation
facilities can contribute to the transmission of diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory
infections, and skin infections, which can result in absenteeism and decreased classroom
participation.

Moreover, a study conducted by Freeman et al. (2014) found that students who
were exposed to unclean restrooms reported higher levels of stress and discomfort. This
discomfort can have a negative impact on students’ mental health, leading to increased
anxiety levels and reduced overall well-being