Drinking water quality, sanitation and hygiene practices in a rural community of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In many developing countries, Nigeria inclusive, water quality and the risk of waterborne diseases are critical public health concerns. Safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene are among the five key strategies aimed at combating neglected tropical diseases. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess drinking water quality, household sanitation, and hygiene practices in a rural community. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Tunga Magaji, a rural community of Wamakko local government area, which is one of the Metropolitan Local Government Area of Sokoto state. A total of 391 households participated and were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Household questionnaires and checklist were used to collect data, which were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. Results were presented in tables and chart. Univariate analysis in the form of mean and standard deviation was carried out on continuous data. The categorical and grouped data were summarized using frequencies and percentage. Results: River/stream is the major source of their drinking water followed by dung well. Almost all the respondents (97.0%) perceived the water source to be safe for drinking even though more than half said the water has taste. All water samples were weakly basic and had a specific gravity of one. A tap point, dung well and borehole source demonstrated a significant coliform organisms (Escherichia coli) growth. Only 58% of the households have toilet facilities while the remaining uses different unsanitary methods. More than half (59%) reported washing hand always after toilet use and after handling children’s feces, although only 37% of them reported the use of soap and water. The most common health problem in the community was diarrheal diseases with a prevalence rate of 61%. Conclusion: Some drinking water source had significant coliform counts, and large proportion of households does not have sanitary facilities with the diarrheal disease being the major health problem.