Abstract
This study investigated the influence of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) management on the bacteriological quality of students’ palms in some schools within the Bamenda municipality, to serve as baseline data for strengthening of hygiene management and health policies in schools. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional approach with data generated through questionnaires, swabbing of the palms of selected students and doorknobs, as well as culturing of the swabs for microbial identification. SPSS version 16.0 was used for data analysis and Chi-square test to determine significant differences in the level of bacteria on the palms of participants by gender. None of the schools met WHO standards, and the gap between toilet usage and hand washing after defecation was very significant (p < 0.0001). Bacteria isolated included: Staphylococcus spp (63%), Escherichia coli (31%), Enterobacter sp (10%), Bacillus sp (10%), and Coliforms (5%). Two Fungi species: Yeast (10%) and Moulds (3%) were also isolated. The content of the curriculum, teaching and assessment mechanism for the WaSH programme management in schools was found to be in need of greater attention, schools and local governments focus on it being below expectation.
Highlights
Studies in developing countries show the threat to urban health posed by microbial contamination and associated increase in waterborne enteric diseases [1]
School environments instance vivid disease transmission by contagion — touching of objects, bodily and post-faecal interactions— as well as the fact that proper hygiene management significantly responds to these pathogenic paths
Male students aged 10-15 yrs Male students aged 16-20 yrs 95%. In this pilot cross-sectional study, an attempt was made to understand the gaps in the management of hygiene and sanitary practices in five randomly sampled public and private schools within the Bamenda municipality
Summary
Studies in developing countries show the threat to urban health posed by microbial contamination and associated increase in waterborne enteric diseases [1]. Most educational institutions in Cameroon lack or only have water in short supply and inadequate, poorly managed toilet facilities compound the deplorable hygiene practices. The curriculum for the management of school WaSH programme needs greater attention; the teaching and assessment mechanism of hygiene education in schools lack the practical component. These growing structural health concerns, in schools, necessitate school-based studies for better understanding of the stakes
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