Factors Influencing Compliance With The Water Sanitation And Hygiene (Wash) Programme: Hand Hygiene Practices In Second Cycle Schools In The Ledzokuku Municipality Of The Greater Accra Region

ABSTRACT

Background: Hand hygiene or hand washing is a well-known major infection control measure and has been mentioned by WHO as the most important hygiene measure in preventing the spread of infection. Schools like hospitals, have close, crowded environments that increase the risk of microbial cross- contaminations and transmissions. It has been observed that, there are high rates of infectious, gastrointestinal, neurocognitive and psychological illnesses in schools where water and sanitation facilities are inadequate in both developing and developed countries.

Objectives: This study aims to look at the relationship between institutional factors (resources available in schools) and hand hygiene practices, and also factors influencing compliance with the water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program in second cycle institutions in the Ledzokuku Municipal Area.

Methods: This research work used a descriptive, cross-sectional research design and a quantitative methods to assess the factors influencing the WASH program and hand hygiene practices. Questionnaires and checklist were administered to these students and data was collected. The study used statistical tests such as Chi-square test and logistic regression to assess the relationship between resources available and hand washing.

Results: The research work showed that, background characteristics of the students such as sex and form/ grade and students’ knowledge were significantly associated with hand hygiene practices. Resources available for hand washing are inadequate in the schools making the practice difficult.

Conclusion: The prevalence of hand washing among second cycle schools in Ledzokuku Municipal Area was 91%. However, resources available for hand washing are inadequate making the practice of hand washing difficult in the schools.