Knowledge and practice of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene by traders. A case study of Tamale Central Market

Abstract

Tamale is one of the rapidly growing cities in Ghana which is faced with numerous sanitation and hygiene problems. Markets generate large volumes of wastes due to their functions. Poor waste management in markets poses a threat to public health. This study sought to assess traders’ knowledge and practice of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene. It also sought to identify the environmental sanitation challenges in the market. Questionnaire surveys, interviews, and personal observations were employed for data collection. The traders demonstrated fair knowledge on environmental sanitation but most did not practice recommended sanitation practices. Moreover, both males (50.1%) and females (49.9%) demonstrated good knowledge of personal hygiene and practiced it. The study identified poor drainage systems, lack of potable water, inadequate waste bins, littering, pilling of wastes, poor wastewater handling as major environmental challenges in the market. The findings of this study underline the need for bolstering up environmental education and hygiene promotion activities in public places like markets. It is also recommended that the toilet facility within the market get replace or renovated. The need for sanitation equipment and tools like waste bins should be met by the Metropolitan Assembly, as well as supports from NGOs and other bodies.