Assessment of Household Hygiene, Potable Water Sources, and Sanitation Practices in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Access to potable water and proper sanitation remains a pressing global issue, particularly in developing regions like Nigeria, where waterborne diseases are prevalent due to inadequate water and sanitation facilities. Consequently, the paper assesses household hygiene, potable water sources, and sanitation practices in IkpobaOkha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standardized procedures with structured questionnaires surveying 1,131 households with children under ten. Results indicated that 83.6% of households rely on boreholes as their primary water source, 9.5% use wells, and 3.4% harvest rainwater. The study in IkpobaOkha LGA showed that 63% of households (708 out of 1,131) do not treat their drinking water, raising significant public health concerns. The findings also reveal diversity in sanitation practices, with 431 households using pit latrines, 594 utilizing flush toilets connected to pit systems, and 106 relying on bush toilets. These patterns highlight varying access to improved sanitation facilities. In terms of water storage, 512 households use tanks, 371 use plastic buckets, and 248 use wooden pots. The frequency of cleaning water storage facilities also varies, with 68 households cleaning weekly, 138 bi-weekly, 564 monthly, 352 quarterly, and nine (9) annually. Only eight (8) children visit hospitals weekly, 171 bi-weekly, 364 monthly, 486 quarterly, and 102 yearly. Most children (486) visit quarterly, suggesting a preference for routine health check-ups. The regression results indicated a statistically significant relationship between poor sanitation and water sources. Significant challenges in water quality, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene practices were identified. The study highlights the need for improved sanitation, water treatment methods, and infrastructure development to mitigate public health risks and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring clean water and sanitation by 2030.