Washing with dirty waters: awareness, perceptions and challenges of hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria's informal urban communities

Abstract

Studies have emphasized the implications of the lack of adequate handwashing facilities for the campaign against COVID-19 in many communities. However, peoples' awareness and perceptions of the handwashing protocol have received little or no scholarly attention. This study examined the awareness, perceptions and challenges of hand hygiene in three informal urban settlements in Nigeria: Mararaba, Makoko, and Waterfront. Data wereobtained from 30 participants from these settlements. Using a deductive analytical approach, the study found that the level of awareness and compliance with the handwashing protocol is very low. The few participants who occasionally wash their hands do so with dirty water. Findings also showed that there is gross inadequacy of handwashing facilities in the studied communities. Implications of findings for COVID-19 governance and policies are discussed.