Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices on water, sanitation and hygiene in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State

Abstract

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) are relevant concerns for sustained and effective implementation of WASH programs. This research was conducted in Zaria Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State to Assess the KAP on WASH to avail reliable data for informed interventions. 174 randomly selected households were interviewed. The result reveals four main sources of drinking water, viz borehole (31%), well (19%), pipe-borne (13.1%) and water packaged in sachet (24.7%). The result shows that 34.5% of households dispose solid waste through unauthorized waste collectors, 16.1 % use authorized collectors, 17.2% at public approved dumpsite, 16.1% at unapproved dump sites, 16.1% by burning, 4% bury their waste and 4% dispose waste in open water bodies/ways/drainages. The results shows that 30.5% of households have modern water closets, 42.8 % use pit latrine, and 11.5 % use public toilets. Based on the findings, it is evident that there is high accessibility of improved water to households, availability of improved toilet facility is also high, but waste management practice is poor. In conclusion, Zaria LGA is in need of WASH interventions especially as regards waste management. It is recommended that efforts should be made to intensify awareness about WASH.