Hand hygiene practices in some selected food markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated Hand Hygiene practices in some selected Food markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Four markets were selected in four Local Government Areas and were classified into Urban and Rural areas, to form a basis for comparison. This study employed Qualitative and quantitative data gathering methods, using a structured questionnaire that was coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). An Analysis of the available sources of drinking water in the urban markets revealed that 46% of respondents in the urban areas. get their drinking water from borehole. Thirty six percent (36%) of the rural dwellers source their drinking water from unprotected wells and water vendors (18%). The study revealed that market people in the rural area do not have access to good toilet facilities to enhance hygiene and the infrastructure available are pit latrines with slabs (36%), pit latrine without slab (23%) and women in markets located in rural areas (41%).engage in open defecation because of lack of toilet facilities. There is a lack of knowledge about health risks linked to Hand Hygiene Practices. The study revealed that people are motivated to handwashing, because it would make their hands smell nice and it would prevent them from contracting diseases. The study further revealed that market people could be willing to practice Hand Hygiene if the infrastructure are readily available and accessible. This study concluded that the main driving force for poor environmental conditions experienced in the market is attitudinal. What motivates people to Hand Hygiene is the risk factor associated with poor sanitation. It is therefore recommended that there should be proper sensitization of stakeholders on the need to take care of the environment so as to prevent sicknesses and diseases.