OVERVIEW OF THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE, BEHAVIOR, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CLEAN AND HEALTHY LIVING BEHAVIOR (CHLB) PROGRAM AT THE PRIMARY SCHOOL FILIAL RUMBIA 1,2,3 CAICOLI, DILI, TIMOR-LESTE

Abstract

This study was conducted to map the level of understanding, practices, and implementation of the Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (CHLB) program at Rumbia 1, 2, 3 Branch Elementary Schools in Caicoli, Dili, Timor-Leste, based on eight key indicators. The research aimed to comprehensively assess teachers' knowledge, behavioral practices, and the implementation of CHLB in school settings. The study employed a survey method involving 42 teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distribution. The findings revealed that teachers' understanding of CHLB remained at a low level. Although the majority (90.47%) had heard of CHLB, only 6.3% could define it correctly, and 80.95% could mention less than half of the CHLB indicators. In terms of practices, most teachers had adopted handwashing habits (97.6%) and refrained from smoking on school grounds (92.86%), though the implementation was not comprehensive, as evidenced by irregular exercise activities. Regarding supporting facilities, infrastructure such as healthy canteens, toilets, and trash bins was fully available. However, the ratio of adequate toilets remained very low (40.47%), and the availability of handwashing stations with soap had not reached 100%. The main challenges identified included limited teacher understanding, inadequate infrastructure, and low parental involvement. The study concludes that enhancing counseling programs, improving physical facilities, and establishing school policies are crucial to support the successful implementation of the CHLB program.