Assessment of primary school WASH initiatives in influencing the hygiene practices of the students in Lideta sub-city

Abstract

Background: Safe water and sanitary facilities coupled with hygiene promotion activities are essential for a healthy learning environment. Unfortunately having access to safe water and sanitary facilities are not only enough but they also need to meet the minimum standard and shall be fueled up by appropriate hygiene behavior by all users (children and staff). Objective: The general objective of the study is to assess the contribution and influence of proper school WASH initiatives in improving WASH practices among school children in the target area. Methods: A school based cross-sectional survey was employed in which both quantitative as well as qualitative data collection methods were used so as to assess the impact of school WASH services on the hygienic practices of the school children. Primary school students (1-8 grades) were interviewed using uniform questionnaire and observation guide. Results: The public and government schools are providing water supply below the standard set by the hygiene and environmental health department of the MOH.Besides, these schools (the government and public schools) do not supply water to the students all day long while the students are in the school. On contrary, the private schools provide water all day long and the numbers of taps are above the standard set by the MOH. Likewise, the quality and condition latrines in these schools is not good enough for better utilization.However,as there are no option, students are obliged to use the latrines. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study had indicated that the quality of school WASH facilities is one of the factors affecting the hygienic practices of the majority of primary school children.The need for devising a strategy to attain the required hygienic practices shall be the way forward for the schools. Compliance to the WASH standard set by the MOH would be a step forward towards promoting an improved WASH practices among the primary school students.