HYGIENE

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is fundamental to public health, gender equity, and sustainable development and is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 and SDG 5. Despite sustained investments in Nigeria, persistent gender and social inclusion gaps continue to disproportionately affect women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable groups. This study assessed gender and social inclusion in WASH service delivery in selected communities in Edo State, Nigeria, by evaluating access levels and determinants of equitable access. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Data were collected from 371 household respondents across 12 communities using structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically, with WASH access assessed using a composite scoring system based on WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme standards. Results showed universal access to basic water sources, but weak sanitation and hygiene: over 85% of facilities were basic or limited, and only 30% of households had functional handwashing facilities with water and soap. Fewer than 10% of communities had PWD- accessible facilities, and women’s participation was similarly low. Disability status, education level, and residence were significant determinants of equitable access (OR = 6.07; p = 0.025). The study concludes that strengthening gender-responsive planning, disability- sensitive infrastructure, and community participation is essential for equitable and sustainable WASH outcomes.

This study assessed the sanitation, hygiene, and health status of residents in Amufi Community, a peri-urban settlement in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to evaluate existing sanitation facilities, examine hygiene practices, and identify common health risks linked to poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire administered to 220 randomly selected residents. Data collected included information on socio-demographic characteristics, sanitation facilities, hygiene behaviors, and self-reported health outcomes, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that 87.7% of households used flush toilets, while 9.5% relied on pit latrines, with 39.5% sharing toilets with other hous holds. Waste disposal practices were poor, as 17.3% of respondents dumped refuse in open spaces and 32.3% resorted to burning. Although 90% had access to soap, only 44.5% had designated handwashing areas, and just 30% consistently used soap and water for handwashing. About half of the respondents (50.3%) reported experiencing waterborne diseases within the past year, with typhoid fever (70.3%) and diarrhea (37.8%) being the most prevalent. Community involvement in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs was low, with only 21.8% of respondents participating in any sanitation or hygiene improvement activities. These results indicate that although access to sanitation infrastructure in Amufi is mode ately high, inadequate hygiene practices, poor waste management, and limited community engagement continue to sustain preventable health risks. The study concludes that strengthening WASH infrastructure, enhancing hygiene education, and promoting active community participation are essential strategies for improving public health outcomes and reducing disease burden within the Amufi Community

HAND HYGIENE IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL, PARTICULARLY AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS. THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) INTRODUCED THE “5 MOMENTS FOR HAND HYGIENE” (MOHH) TO REDUCE HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS (HAIS) AND PROMOTE PATIENT SAFETY. THIS STUDY ASSESSED THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF THE WHO 5 MOHH AMONG NURSE-MIDWIVES IN SELECTED WARDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL (UBTH), BENIN CITY, NIGERIA. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL DESIGN WAS EMPLOYED, USING A STRUCTURED SELF-ADMINISTERED QUESTIONNAIRE. DATA WERE COLLECTED FROM 161 NURSE-MIDWIVES AND ANALYZED USING SPSS VERSION 23. FINDINGS SHOWED THAT 52.2% OF RESPONDENTS HAD GOOD KNOWLEDGE, 31.7% HAD FAIR KNOWLEDGE, AND 16.1% HAD POOR KNOWLEDGE OF THE MOHH. REGARDING PRACTICE, THE HIGHEST COMPLIANCE WAS SEEN IN MOMENT 3 (AFTER BODY FLUID EXPOSURE/RISK) AND MOMENT 4 (AFTER TOUCHING A PATIENT), WHILE MOMENTS 1 (BEFORE TOUCHING A PATIENT) AND 2 (BEFORE ASEPTIC PROCEDURES) HAD THE LOWEST ADHERENCE RATES. ADDITIONALLY, 60.2% OF RESPONDENTS BELIEVED HAND HYGIENE IS NOT NECESSARY IF GLOVES ARE WORN, AND 85.7% INCORRECTLY THOUGHT THAT HYGIENE COULD BE SKIPPED AT MOMENT 1 IF IT WAS RECENTLY PERFORMED AT MOMENT 5. THESTUDY CONCLUDES THAT WHILE GENERAL AWARENESS OF HAND HYGIENE IS
HIGH AMONG NURSE-MIDWIVES, THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCIES IN BOTH SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND CONSISTENT PRACTICE OF THE WHO 5 MOHH. STRENGTHENING TRAINING PROGRAMS, IMPROVING SUPPLY OF HYGIENE MATERIALS, AND PROMOTING SUPPORTIVE SUPERVISION ARE RECOMMENDED TO BRIDGE THESE GAPS AND IMPROVE INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES.