Potable water, good sanitary conditions, good hygienic
practices are essential for the survival and development of children.
Objective: The study aimed to determine the demographic and socioeconomic
effect of water; sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the occurrence of diarrheal
disease among paediatric age group, Aba Abia State.
Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to
assess the environmental sanitation in the selected study areas. The survey was
designed with the use of questionnaire which was administered to a sample size
of 360 participants. The collected data was entered into computer Software
called Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 and analyzed
using descriptive statistical analysis.
Results: The results were displayed in frequency tables and charts. The
relation between variables were determined with Pearson Chi-Square test and the
findings showed that 267(74.2%) of the participants reported they have had 1-5
times episodes of diarrhea per year and the episode of diarrhea was more common
among male children with 204(56.7%) compared to female with 156(43.3%). Also,
204(56.7%) of the participants agreed that they have available water supply and
the major source of water supply was borehole with 227(63.1%). In terms of water
treatment, 255(70.8%) reported they don’t boil water before use; 100(27.7%)
don’t wash hands after defecation, 225(62.5%) don’t wash hands after touching
pet animals and only 32(8.8%) reported they don’t wash fruits/vegetables before
eating or cooking. From the findings, 175(48.6%) heard about WASH and
264(73.3%) have the knowledge of treating children with diarrhea at health
centre.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings
showed that water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) had impact in the occurrence
of diarrhea disease among paediatric age group in relation to demographic and
socioeconomic factors. Again, the available and functional sanitary facilities
do not meet the required standards set by the Ministry of Health, EHORECON and
WHO guidelines. Therefore, there should be organized workshops; seminars and
conferences periodically on the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene
(WASH) practices in all local Governments in Abia State and beyond.
Author(s) Details:
Ohanenye C. A.,
Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Ede A. O.,
Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamadi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria.
Nwazunku A. A.,
Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamadi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria.
Orji S. M.,
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Okoronkwo N. C.,
Paediatric Department, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria.
Iro K. O.,
Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Offiah A. U.,
Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Amadi A. N.,
Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RUDHR-V1/article/view/13235
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