Hygiene and Sanitation Practices and the Risk of Morbidity among Children 6–23 Months of Age in Kumbungu District, Ghana

Abstract

Background. Poor hygiene and sanitation (WASH) practices are characterised by the manifestation of disease and infections, notably diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among children. is study aimed to assess the in uence of WASH practices on the occurrence of diarrhoea and RTIs among children 6-23 months of age. Methods. An analytical cross-sectional study design was conducted in June 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 300 mothers/caregivers with children aged 6-23 months from 9 communities in the Kumbungu District. We assessed the WASH practices, socio-demographic characteristics of the households and the occurrence of diarrhoea and RTIs among the children with a semi-structured questionnaire. e Hygiene Improvement Framework observational guide was adapted for household sanitation. Backward binary multiple logistic regression was used to determine the WASH practices that signi cantly predicted morbidity. Results. About 53% and 55.3% of the children reportedly experienced diarrhoea and RTIs, respectively, two weeks before the survey. Caregiver handwashing with soap a er defecation [OR = 0.32 (95% C.I: 0.19, 0.52)] and before feeding [OR = 0.50 (95% C.I: 0.30, 0.84)] as well as washing the child's hands with or without soap before feeding [OR = 0.21 (95% C.I: 0.04, 1.01)] were associated with lower odds of diarrhoea morbidity. e main determinants of RTI morbidity included caregiver handwashing with or without soap a er defecation [OR = 0.29 (95% C.I: 0.10, 0.81)] and washing of the child's hands with soap before feeding [OR = 0.60 (95% C.I: 0.37, 0.99)] However, we found no association between household sanitation and diarrhoea as well as RTI among the children. Conclusion. About a half each of the children had diarrhoea and RTI 2 weeks before the survey. e results emphasise the need for urgent targeting of handwashing and waste disposal programmes to avert the high burden of diarrhoea and RTIs among children.

Malnutrition, Hypertension Risk, and Correlates: An Analysis of the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey Data for 15–19 Years Adolescent Boys and Girls

“…The increased risk of stunting and PHH with a poor HWI for adolescent boys may as well be attributed to their susceptibility to poor health in such conditions. Improvements in household sanitation and hygiene are known to be associated with improved health and nutrition outcomes [ 48 , 49 ]. It was therefore not surprising that a higher WASH index was protective of stunting for the boys.…”

Exploring associations between household environmental factors and handwashing with essential agents in sub-Saharan Africa

“…The refusal of homes to share essential handwashing supplies with other households and toilet users is a significant contributor to the lack of water and/or soap in shared spaces. This act is a reaction to the "free riding" concern, which arises when it is believed that individuals profit from something without contributing to its provision [ 17 ]. Future intervention models should therefore prioritize community involvement in their WASH programs and link communities to other stakeholders through coordination and advocacy mechanisms to ensure that those who manage their sanitation needs in shared or public spaces have a voice in the formulation of WASH service delivery plans and their implementation.…”

“…The current state of knowledge on the household factors associated with handwashing with essential agents in sub-Saharan Africa is still evolving. Recent studies have highlighted several important factors that influence handwashing practices in households, including access to water and sanitation facilities, education and awareness, socio-economic status, and cultural beliefs and practices [15][16][17][18]. However, a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse and nuanced factors that drive handwashing behavior in various communities and settings across the region is still necessary.…”

Assessment of the Incidence and Contributing Factors of Diarrheal Episodes in Children Under Five Years Admitted to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima District

“…Low socioeconomic status, limited education, poor environmental sanitation, and low hygienic practices pose a serious threat to people's health, especially children's health. Risk factors for diarrhea vary with the child's age, the pathogens involved, and the local environment [24][25][26][27]. The prevalence of diarrhea among children under five in the Aragon district was 40.8% (CI: 0.353-0.454).…”