Sustainable Communities Begin in Childhood: Health Promotion and Hygiene Education Practices as a Strategy for Social Transformation

Authors

  • André Luiz Lisboa Pereira Afya Universidade UNIGRANRIO Campus Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro
  • Gabriela Lemos Leal Santos Afya Universidade UNIGRANRIO Campus Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro
  • Giovana Silva de Assis Afya Universidade UNIGRANRIO Campus Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro
  • Leonarda Dias Afya Universidade UNIGRANRIO Campus Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro
  • Letícia Pitta Weler Nunes Afya Universidade UNIGRANRIO
  • Pâmella Alves dos Santos Lorena Afya Universidade UNIGRANRIO Campus Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro
  • Leila Chevitarese Afya Universidade UNIGRANRIO Campus Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro
  • Eduarda Martins de Faria Afya Universidade UNIGRANRIO Campus Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36557/2009-3578.2026v12n2p110-122

Keywords:

Health Education, Health Promotion, Hygiene and health

Abstract

Promoting health in the school environment is a key strategy for fostering healthy habits and strengthening collective care from childhood onwards. In this context, this study aimed to promote health education through a playful, educational activity focused on personal hygiene and the care of shared spaces, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11. This applied research employed a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) and an action-research design, involving 18 children aged 6 to 8 at an elementary school in the municipality of Duque de Caxias (RJ). Initially, a pre-questionnaire was administered to assess prior knowledge regarding hygiene practices. Subsequently, an educational intervention was conducted using interactive theater, participatory activities, and an educational parody. Following the activity, a post-questionnaire was administered to evaluate the initiative's effectiveness. The results showed a significant expansion of the students' knowledge, with an increase in positive responses regarding the relationship between hygiene, health, and sustainability. A greater understanding of self-care and collective responsibility for preserving shared spaces was observed. It is concluded that playful, pedagogical strategies in the school environment are effective for promoting health and fostering a collective consciousness aimed at building healthier, more sustainable communities.

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Published

2026-07-20

How to Cite

Lisboa Pereira, A. L., Lemos Leal Santos, G., Silva de Assis, G., Dias, L., Pitta Weler Nunes, L., Alves dos Santos Lorena, P., … Martins de Faria, E. (2026). Sustainable Communities Begin in Childhood: Health Promotion and Hygiene Education Practices as a Strategy for Social Transformation. INTERFERENCE: A JOURNAL OF AUDIO CULTURE, 12(2), 110–122. https://doi.org/10.36557/2009-3578.2026v12n2p110-122