Introduction: Diarrhea remains a major public health problem among school-aged children and is closely associated with inadequate hygiene practices, particularly improper handwashing behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational interventions using animated videos and leaflets on knowledge and handwashing practices related to clean and healthy living behaviors among school-aged children. Method: A quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group approach was used, involving 114 second- and third-grade students from two public elementary schools in South Jakarta. Participants were equally divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received education through animated videos and leaflets, while the control group received standard education through discussion. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a handwashing observation checklist, and analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann–Whitney U test. Result: The results showed significant improvements in knowledge and handwashing practices in the intervention group (p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.05). Between-group analysis also demonstrated significantly greater improvements in the intervention group (p < 0.001). The effects were consistent across grade levels and genders. Conclusion: In conclusion, educational interventions using animated videos and leaflets are effective in improving knowledge and handwashing practices among school-aged children and have potential for broader implementation in school-based health promotion programs. Keywords: Diarrhea; Handwashing practices; Knowledge; School-aged children; Health education
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