Potable Water and Sanitation Practices among Pupils in Some Selected Primary Schools in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nearly half of all children in developing countries have infections or disease associated with inadequate water supply and sanitation. This study aimed at assessing sanitation practices and available sources of water supply in selected primary schools in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional survey was used in this study. The primary schools and pupils were selected by random sampling. Results revealed that sanitation facilities in the schools were grossly insufficient. Where available, the facilities were overused and poorly maintained. The study also showed that potable water supply in the schools was inadequate. Sachet water was the main source of water supply in the study area. Sanitation facilities in the study area were inadequate and impacted on the sanitation practices of the pupils. The level of awareness towards sanitation education among the pupils was quite high and encouraging. The sanitation practices and potable water supply were generally not satisfactory, putting the pupils at risk of infectious diseases associated with inadequate water supply and sanitation.