The Impact of Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Public Primary Schools Northern Sierra Leone.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of water sanitation and hygiene practices on 10 public primary schools in Dembelia Sinkunia chiefdom, Falaba district Sierra Leone. This research was to assess how to access clean water, adequate sanitation facilities, and its effects on attendance, and academic performance of pupils. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative interviews. The study tools were structured questionnaires, observational fact sheet, interview schedule, focus group discussion and checklist for administrators in various schools. Structured questionnaires were administered to pupils, teachers, and school administrators to gather data on water sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, practices, and related health outcomes. Qualitative methods included in-depth interviews with key stakeholders to explore perceptions, challenges, and potential solutions regarding water sanitation and hygiene in public primary schools. 132 participants were interviewed 112 pupils and 20 primary school teachers as the sample size. Findings suggested a significant correlation between improved water sanitation and hygiene facilities and positive outcomes in pupils’ health, attendance rates, and academic achievement. However, qualitative data revealed functional hand washing points were present in only 30 percent of all study schools and were not found in 70% of schools. The study shows the inadequate sanitation facilities in schools led to high rates of absenteeism, poor academic performance, and reduced retention rates especially amongst girls. In conclusion, the status of sanitation facilities in the study region based on the results obtained, indicate that the amenities in public primary schools do not meet the required standards set by the standards manual for schools in Sierra Leone (2010). Sanitation facilities in the study schools were severely strained with pupil to latrine ratio exceeding the required national standards for both boys and girls.