C/F/B/CoE ERC2 (2022)

College/Faculty/Branch/Cluster of Centre of Excellence

Universiti Teknologi MARA

Participant Information Sheet

Research Title

Promoting Health Awareness among Upper Primary School Students in the Selangor
Suburban Area Centring on Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH)

Introduction of Research

Children's right to good health is crucial since they are susceptible to illness and health
issues. (Convention on The Rights of The Child, 1989) The Sustainable Development Goals
define a global shift from treating diseases to building health systems so that all children and
women of reproductive age receive affordable, excellent health care. This disparity in the
community highlights the need for health awareness and intervention among young children.

In our study, we will address some common health issues among adolescents, including
proper menstruation health, preventing the transmission of diseases via the most important
infection control measure - hand hygiene and common infections that occur among primary
school children. Misinformation may result in a misconception that can affect girls and
women's mental health, lifestyle, and health. This naivety highlights how menstrual health
and hygiene (MHH) is a public health issue with limited evidence to support interventions.
Children's handwashing habits change following school health education, but the viability of
educational initiatives needs to be clarified. All in all, it is undeniable that good health
education benefits children's future.

Purpose of Research

In general, the objectives of this research are to assess primary school girls’ menstrual
knowledge and preparedness, as well as children’s knowledge of proper hand hygiene
techniques. Specifically, this research aims to tackle misconceptions and myths regarding
menstruation, instil good hygienic techniques, prevent opportunistic infections in
menstruation, and educate the children on proper handwashing techniques and ways to
prevent various common parasitic infections among school children.

Research Procedure

A cross-sectional study and awareness program will be conducted by the MBBS Batch-
22/23, Year 2, Group 8 students of UiTM Sungai Buloh University on a group of students at
Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Langat, a primary school located in the suburban area of Banting,
Selangor. Before the program is carried out, a survey will be done to sample fifty students
from 11-12 years old. A structured questionnaire will be written in Bahasa Melayu, and
English will be given to the respondents. Other than that, an observation will be performed
on the students' habits and behaviour at the canteen. One hundred fifty students will
participate in the health awareness program focusing on menstrual bleeding and good
hygiene practices during the program. The participants will be separated into three groups
where they will participate in different activities depending on the stations assigned to them.
At the end of every session, interactive quizzes and games are prepared to evaluate the
level of knowledge and understanding of each objective of the stations. The results are
going to be observed and recorded as data.
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Participation in Research

Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. You may refuse to take part in the
study or you may withdraw yourself from participation in the research at any time without
penalty.

Benefit of Research

From this research, participants will be able to clear their misconceptions and myths
regarding menstruation, learn about good hygienic techniques to prevent opportunistic
infections in menstruation, as well as increase their knowledge on proper handwashing
techniques and ways to prevent various common parasitic infections among school children.

Information obtained from this research will benefit the individuals, researchers, institution
and community for the advancement of knowledge and future practice.

Research Risk

You should know that the procedure of the study may cause you to feel sad, angry or
uncomfortable. It is also possible that you might feel bored or confused.

Confidentiality

Your information will be kept confidential by the investigators and will not be made public
unless disclosure is required by law. By signing this consent form**, you will authorize the
review of records, analysis and use of the data arising from this research.

If you have any question about this research or your rights, please contact (ZARIF IRFAN
BIN SAIFUL NIZAM) at (018-3247077)

**If you are using an online survey form (obtaining signature of participants are not feasible), please
include these statements at the beginning of the survey document:

By participating in this survey, I agree that:

1. I am 18 years old and above
2. I authorize the review of records, analysis and use of the data arising from this research.
3. I understand the nature and scope of the research being undertaken.
4. I have read and understood all the terms and conditions of my participation in the research.
5. I voluntarily agree to participate in this research and follow the study procedures.
6. I may at any time choose to withdraw from this research without giving any reason.
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Consent Form1
To become a participant in the research, you or your legal guardian are required to sign this
Consent Form.
I herewith confirm that I have met the requirement of age and am capable of acting on behalf
of myself / as2 a legal guardian as follows:

1. I understand the nature and scope of the research being undertaken.

2. I have read and understood all the terms and conditions of my participation in the
research.
3. All my questions relating to this research and my participation therein have been
answered to my satisfaction.
4. I voluntarily agree to take part in this research, to follow the study procedures and to
provide all necessary information to the investigators as requested.
5. I may at any time choose to withdraw from this research without giving any reason.
6. I have received a copy of the Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form.
7. Except for damages resulting from negligent or malicious conduct of the
researcher(s), I hereby release and discharge UiTM and all participating
researchers from all liability associated with, arising out of, or related to my
participation. I agree to hold them harmless from any harm or loss that may be
incurred by me due to my participation in the research.

______________________________________________________________________
Name of Participant/Legally authorized representative (LAR) Signature
______________________________________________________________________
I.C No Date
______________________________________________________________________
Name of Witness3 Signature
______________________________________________________________________
I.C No Date
______________________________________________________________________
Name of Consent Taker Signature
______________________________________________________________________
I.C No Date

1
Original signed copy is to be retained by the Principal Investigator.
2
Delete whichever is not applicable.
3
A witness is only required for oral consent.