Al-Musannif
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026)

Environmental Education for Healthy Childhoods: Exploring Sanitation Awareness and Nutritional Behavior among School-Age Children

Yuliyanti Setiawati (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Baramuli)
A. Bida Purnamasari (Universitas Negeri Makassar)
Erma Suryani Sahabuddin (Universitas Negeri Makassar)
Eka Apriyanti (Universitas Negeri Makassar)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Jun 2026

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored school-age children’s lived experiences of environmental sanitation awareness and nutritious dietary behavior within environmental education in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Using a qualitative design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation involving school-age children, parents, and teachers selected purposively from elementary and junior secondary schools. Thematic phenomenological analysis revealed five interrelated themes: developing sanitation awareness through daily practices, family and school as nutritional learning spaces, environmental education as behavioral transformation, social and cultural influences on healthy living, and healthy living as a shared responsibility. The findings indicate that children’s understandings of hygiene and healthy eating are shaped less by formal instruction than by repeated interactions, role modeling, and experiential learning in home, school, and community settings. Environmental education emerged as a meaningful framework for connecting sanitation, nutrition, and child well-being by fostering responsibility, comfort, and environmental care. The study implies that schools and families should collaborate to embed sanitation literacy and nutritional awareness into everyday routines and child-centered environmental programs.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

al-musannif

Publisher

Subject

Description

Al-Musannif is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the advancement of education research, covering Islamic education, education policy and management, teacher training, learning and student development, and contemporary issues in community-based education environments. The journal serves ...