THE EFFECT OF BIOLOGICAL RISK LITERACY ON THE HYGIENE BEHAVIOR OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH VOCATIONAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Biological risks are one of the main hazards in Occupational Safety and Health (OHS) practices, particularly in practice-based vocational learning that demands consistent hygiene behavior. This study aims to analyze the effect of biological risk literacy on the hygiene behavior of Occupational Safety and Health vocational students. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design on 32 students selected through proportional random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability, then analyzed using simple linear regression at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that biological risk literacy significantly influenced student hygiene behavior (p < 0.05), contributing 5% to the variation in hygiene behavior. Students with better biological risk literacy tended to demonstrate more optimal hygiene practices, including adherence to hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and biological waste management. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening biological risk literacy through practical application in the vocational occupational health and safety (K3) curriculum to foster sustainable preventive behaviors.