Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Status of Ekosodin Community Residents, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Healthy living has been known to be linked to availability of portable water supply, clean sanitation, access to good hygienic and attainment of nice healthy status. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the assess level of water supply sanitation, hygiene and health status of residents of Ekosodin community, Edo State using a structured questionnaire from 300 respondents analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22. Findings showed that residents of the community primarily relied on boreholes as their main water source, with 72.7 % of respondents indicating its usage. The sanitation facilities, such as toilets, were predominantly available, but there was a need for additional facilities, as indicated by 24.7 % of respondents. In terms of hand hygiene, 67.3 % of participants reported the availability of soap and water in their premises. Moreover, 82.7 % of respondents stated that they had separate containers for bathing and storing drinking water, contributing to improved hygiene practices. Health status’ findings revealed the prevalence of vomiting (66.7 %) among participants. Hospital/clinic facilities were the primary choice for medical treatment (74.7%), followed by herbal preparations (25.3%). In conclusion, a community-based intervention program needs to be carried out to educate the populace of Ekosodin residence on maintenance of hand washing practices, toilets and sanitary facilities.