PERSONAL HYGIENE DURING AND AFTER EXTENSIVE FLOODING: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Abstract
In the context of catastrophic flooding, ensuring personal hygiene is key to protecting health. The implementation of basic hygiene measures depends not only on the knowledge and willingness of the individual, but also on the resources available. Basic personal hygiene measures in emergency situations include hand washing, personal hygiene, oral hygiene and clothing hygiene. The article presents the results of a qualitative study examining the views of respondents who had personally experienced the floods in August 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the participants reported on regular hand washing and disinfection. They also emphasized the use of protective equipment. In terms of personal and oral hygiene, many problems were mentioned, especially the lack of clean drinking water. Oral hygiene was carried out with bottled water, while showering and washing clothes took place at relatives’ and acquaintances’ homes in unaffected areas. The respondents faced the shortage of basic resources and a changed personal hygiene routine.
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