Indoor Environmental Conditions and Sanitary Practices in Selected Day care Centres in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Rapidly urbanizing cities are witnessing an increase in Day care centres (DCCs) whose environmental conditions are substandard. This scenario has negative consequences on the health of the DCC attendees and yet information on some of the indicators such as the level of sanitary practices is not adequately documented. The objective of this study therefore was to assess the influence of sanitary practices on indoor air quality in selected DCCs in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study was descriptive cross-sectional in design. Ten DCCs were randomly selected and an environmental assessment form was used to document characteristics of the physical environment of the DCCs, waste management practices, sanitary environment and indoor building characteristics within the day care environment according to NERDC standards. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi square. Lidless litter bins were present in close proximity to the rooms the children were kept in 100% of the DCCs sampled. There was stagnant water in the drainage of 10% of the DCCs. Toilets were present in 100% of the DCCs but inadequate in 60% of them. Sanitary score was below 50% in 40% of the DCCs. No significant association was found between the sanitary scores and the location of the DCCs. Low sanitary scores observed in 40% of day care studied could predispose the children to a myriad of infections. Routine inspection of the day care centres should be carried out to ensure the centres conform to the stipulated
guidelines.

Keywords: Day Care Centres, sanitary practices, indoor air quality, children, urban communities