Determinants of Personal Hygiene Practices among Health Science Students in Phnom Penh: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Background: Personal hygiene behaviors are foundational to health promotion and the implementation of Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (PPPM). This study evaluated the hygiene practices and barriers among health science students in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to assess their potential role as health role models.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from February to August 2025 at the University of Health Sciences, Cambodia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 270 young adults (ages 15–29). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-squared (X²) tests to determine the relationship between socio-demographic factors and hygiene habits.

Results: While most participants maintained high standards in traditional practices like hand washing (93.3%) and dental care (88.1%), significant gaps were identified in respiratory hygiene (54.8%) and the sanitization of mobile devices (34.1%). Females demonstrated significantly better practices than males (p=0.0004), and active clinical exposure was a strong predictor of improved hygiene adherence (p=0.0215). Primary barriers included cognitive inertia (91.8%), academic stress (77.8%), and intermittent water supply (67.4%).

Conclusion: The findings underscore a "Participation Gap" between theoretical medical knowledge and actual behavioral norms. To transition from reactive to preventive medicine, a rigorous program focusing on "Technological Hygiene" and structural improvements in water infrastructure is essential to prevent medical students from becoming super-spreaders during disease outbreaks.