[Toilet Hygiene in Schools: an Old and Still Current Topic. Results of a Survey of School Administrators and Students in Frankfurt am Main, 2018].

Due to numerous complaints regarding the bad condition of the toilets in schools in Frankfurt am Main, a structured survey was conducted in schools in June 2018. The objectives of the survey were: investigation of problem situations and collection of good-practice examples METHODS: One questionnaire was developed for the school management and another one for the students, to be completed by each class. Experiences and suggestions for improvement were asked for from both the management and the students RESULTS: All 147 schools in Frankfurt were contacted. 86 directors (57.8%) returned the questionnaires for the management, out of 107 (72.8%) of the schools, 982 class questionnaires were completed and returned. 18.6% of directors were satisfied with the condition of the toilets; as success factors they listed pedagogical measures and provision of sufficient hygiene articles (each 14%) as well as increased cleaning frequency (12%). As a cause of problems, 73% of the directors reported student behavior. Suggestions for improvement included: more frequent cleaning, additional supervisors, construction/renovation work and a higher budget for toiletries. About 10% of the 982 classes had no complaints about their school toilets, 92% of the classes complained of stench, 85% of dirt, and 70% of missing toilet paper. As a reason for problems, 89% of the classes stated student behavior. Suggestions for improvement of the students ranged from improved cleaning and more cleaning personnel, more personnel for control and supervision, etc. to technical solutions such as a chip and code system.The survey confirms the need for addressing the problems related to school toilets. Both school directors and classes most often cited user behavior and vandalism as the cause, well ahead of problems with cleaning or old toilets. Therefore, although improved cleaning is often required, it is not enough. A change in the behavior of students ís necessary as well. The proposed improvement measures should be tested and if found to be effective, implemented.