Perception of Grade 12 Students in the

Level of Sanitation of Comfort rooms

Malinta National High School – Senior High School

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

Berlon, Rysa Rhosel B.

(12 HUMSS - MACEDA)

NOVEMBER 2023
 CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature

Numerous studies about the sanitation of the Comfort Rooms have been

conducted. These studies show various level of sanitation in the comfort rooms from

different aspects and point of view. In this section of the research, the researchers will

discuss different related literature from different sources that will present the level of

sanitation of the comfort rooms as well as to synthesize the topic for the readers to fully

understand the study. The reviewed literatures have been divided into three sections,

which are as follows: (a) Defining Comfort Room, (b) Local Literature, and (c) Foreign

Literature.

Defining Comfort Room

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term “comfort room” or “CR” was

first used in the United States and originally meant “a room in a public building or

workplace that was equipped with amenities such as rest facilities, hygiene staff, and

storage of personal items. “Objects (rare today); (later) a public toilet (now mainly Filipino

English)”. In addition, according to Cubispec, schools and universities should have

enough sanitary facilities to serve hundreds or even thousands of students daily. In

establishments of this type, it can be tough to provide the best bathing experience.

However, it is fundamental to support children with a positive bathroom experience.

Additionally, it can have a detrimental impact on a student's life, causing some to stop

using the bathroom at school.

Local Studies

The purpose of UNICEF's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program is to

increase access to safe water and sanitation services in to promote children's survival and

development. According to a Philippine survey, primary schools in Zambales, Philippines'

Zone 1 Division are primarily small, with an enrolment of more than 300 students on
average. The program's execution is viewed as successful by parents, students, and

teachers-coordinators; nonetheless, few difficulties are encountered. The study

discovered that there was a strong positive link among students and a low negative

relationship between WASH implementation and problems. There was no discernible

connection between tackling obstacles and implementing WASH. (Culang et al, 2021)

The lack of maintenance on school restrooms results in poor access,

supervision, and cleaning requirements. Teenagers complain about unpleasant

restrooms, insufficient supplies, invasions of privacy, and bullying. Schools should have

regular cleaning, fixtures that are resistant to vandalism, and supervision to improve

hygiene. To save energy and money, facility managers should also choose designs that

minimize artificial lighting and conserve water. Resolving these problems can enhance

staff and student morale and health. (Sanguyu, 2018)

Unreliable access to water, a lack of menstrual strategies, unsanitary facilities,

and a shortage of bathrooms were recognized as major barriers to successful menstrual

management. WASH equipment in schools is better managed in South Central Mindanao,

and the equipment is in better condition, producing a more suitable atmosphere for

females to manage menstruation. Creating WASH conditions in which girls can manage

their periods necessitates continual assistance and systematic monitoring, as well as

knowledge and information. (Ellis, A., et al., 2016)

By providing cleaning tools and posting rules, the study hopes to improve the

cleanliness of the school’s comfort room. The survey and descriptive research designs

were utilized in the study of 50 Grade 12 students. The findings revealed that supplying

cleaning products aided in maintaining cleanliness; however, some disobedient students

did not follow the regulations. The researchers suggested supplying cleaning materials,

advising hand soap and sanitizers, and posting reminders about proper cleaning material
use to maintain cleanliness. This would teach students responsibility while also preventing

the spread of disease-causing microorganisms. (Magpusao, A., et al., 2020)

Foreign Literature

The condition of a school restroom probably influences a student's choice of

whether or not to use it. Although 81% of students say they use the restroom at school

every day, 19% say they never use it. Part of the reason they avoid the facilities is that

they are unclean, smell bad, or have outdated or damaged sinks, doors, and toilets. High

school students' opinions and preferences are influenced by toilet conditions in public

companies in addition to those seen in schools. Because of its spotless, well-kept

restrooms, the majority of students (62%) have patronized a specific establishment.

Similarly, 64% of adults give firms with nice restrooms preferential consideration. (Bradley

Corp., 2019)

The World Health Organization reports that when sanitation was available, 11%

more girls attended schools. Although the data supporting the benefits of better school

cleaning for health and education was sparse, it was nonetheless compelling. Research

conducted in China and Kenya revealed that school-based health promotion initiatives

could lower absenteeism among girls as well as sickness-related absences by 20–58%.

One of the most important hygienic practices for preserving health was using the toilet.

Because voiding postponement incontinence was linked to low micturition frequency,

urgency, and behavioral issues, it was important to practice healthy bathroom use habits

in schools.

In addition, the most crucial aspect of maintaining cleanliness in our lives is

ensuring the sanitation of the toilet. By upholding hygiene in restrooms, we can

effectively control the proliferation of bacteria and microorganisms that could potentially

lead to various illnesses. The act of disposing of waste in the toilet further highlights the

significance of its cleanliness. Negligence in this matter can lead to the rapid
 transmission of bacteria and germs to other areas within our living spaces. Therefore, it

is imperative to regularly sanitize toilets. Particularly in a professional environment, the

presence of unclean restrooms can adversely impact productivity, resulting in potential

illness-related absenteeism among employees. In light of these considerations, it is

essential to evaluate the numerous benefits associated with maintaining toilet

cleanliness (McLean, 2018).

SYNTHESIS

The Review Related Literature implies the present study. All reviews focused on the

sanitization of comfort rooms and how it affects the perception of students. Overall, the

study shows that the comfort rooms in different places have the same problem. Studies

proved that the sanitation of comfort rooms can be solved by providing cleaning tools

that can improve and stay sustainable in the cleanliness that the schools need.

REFERENCES

Sanguyu, K. (2018) PROJECT FRESH: A Proposal to Deodorize the Comfort Rooms in

Don Bosco Academy Pampanga-Mabalacat

[Link]

to-deodorize-the-comfort-rooms-in-don-bosco-academy-pampanga-mabalacat/

Katsuno, C., Gregorio, E., Lomboy, M., Nonaka, D., Hernandez, P., Estrada, C.,

Pimentel, J., Bernadas, R., & Kobayashi, J. (2019) Quality of public-school toilets and

the frequency of changing sanitary napkins among students in public secondary schools

in the City of Manila, Philippines.

[Link]
Ellis, A., Haver, J., Villsenor, J., Parawan, A., Venkatesh, M., Freeman, M., & Caruso B.

( 2016 ) WASH challenges to girls' menstrual hygiene management in Metro Manila,

Masbate, and South Central Mindanao, Philippines

[Link]

Magpusao,A. L. ., Barrientos, N. ., Ali, H. ., Delos Santos, R. ., & Tamon, C.-J. (2020)

Providing Cleaning Materials in Comfort Room to Maintain Good Hygiene and Sanitation

of Grade 12 ABM [Link] Asia Singapore – Bestlink College of the

Philippines Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2(1). Retrieved from

[Link]

Bradley, C. (2019) Students Say Unclean Restrooms Impact Their Perception of School

[Link]

[Link]

Shao, T., Zhao, J., & Zhang, Q. (2021) Analysis of factors affecting students going to

school toilets in a rural primary school in China.

[Link]

Cubicspec. (2018) The Importance Of Having Suitable Toilet Facilities In Schools &

Universities. [Link]

facilities-in-schools-universities/
McLean, I. (2018) Benefits of Maintaining a Clean Toilet.

[Link]