Access to Sanitation Facilities and Handwashing Practices among Physically Challenged Persons in Homes for the Disabled in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Disabled people in the streets have been adjudged to have the least access to sanitation facilities. Information is inadequate on accessibility to sanitation and hygiene services in homes for the disabled in Nigeria. Purpose: To investigate accessibility to sanitation facilities and handwashing practices among Physically Challenged Persons (PCPs) in selected homes for the disabled in Ibadan. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four consenting PCPs selected from three homes for the disabled in a cross-sectional study were interviewed using questionnaire. Field observation and Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) were conducted using a checklist and FGD guide respectively. Results: Mean age of PCPs was 19.5 ± 6.8 years, and 56.2% were males. All PCPs reported they had water closet toilet-types in their homes, however, 42% reported that toilet usage was difficult because there were no assistive devices. Observation revealed there were no hand rails or ropes to aid in toilet usage. The FGDs revealed water supply for flushing was inadequate. Although 98.4% reported handwashing with soap after toilet use, only 54.7% of the PCPs reported that soap was readily available in their homes/centres. Discussion and Conclusion: Reports by the PCP and field observation showed that there were inadequate assistive devices such as wheelchair ramps, hand rails, or ropes to aid in toilet usage. Sanitation facilities in homes for the disabled should be appropriately built with necessary support to facilitate usage and easy accessibility.