WASH in Selected Basic Schools and Possible Implications on Health and Academics: An Example of the Wa Municipality of Ghana, West Africa

Abstract

Effective learning in school is significantly influenced by water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. However, in most schools in developing countries, WASH is often inadequate. The study focused on the accessibility, availability, quality, and sufficiency of WASH in public schools. This cross-sectional study employed the use of an observational checklist where 29 self-administered questionnaires on WASH were administered to Headteachers of the selected schools. The study area was divided into six grids using ArcGIS 9.3©, and from each grid, five schools were selected. However, in the northeastern part of the municipality four sample schools were chosen, since that area had fewer schools. The bacteriological quality (fecal coliforms) of water from the schools was assessed for health safety. The R software and Microsoft Excel were used for data analysis. The study showed that 37.9% of schools had access to potable water but 27.5% of these sources were fecally contaminated. Though 93.1% of the schools had toilet facilities, 77.8% were shared by both teachers and students. The study further showed that 96.6% were gender-segregated, 59.3% lacked toilet bins whiles 41.4% practiced open defecation. Hygiene facilities were lacking as 75.9% of the schools lacked hand washing facilities and all the schools lacked menstrual hygiene facilities. Solid waste and toilet facilities were poorly managed, contributing to open defecation in the schools. Generally, WASH in most of the schools was not satisfactory since they lacked facilities, policies, funds, sensitization, and proper maintenance. The study recommends that WASH facilities should be improved by all stakeholders.