WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH) PRACTICES AND THE INCIDENCE OF WASH RELATED DISEASES WITHIN THE TAMALE METROPOLITAN AREA

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Improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices have been the most effective means of reducing the incidence of WASH-related diseases. This thesis assessed the association between WASH practices and the incidence of WASH-related diseases in the Tamale Metropolitan area of Ghana. The mixed method approach was employed with an explanatory study design. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample household heads and purposive sampling to select key informants for the quantitative and qualitative phases, respectively. A household survey, direct observations and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Using SPSS and MS excel, both descriptive and bivariate (Chi – squares[X2 ]) statistical analysis were done for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The quantitative results revealed that out of the 398 households covered, 64.1% of them draw water from improved sources. 81.41% use unimproved toilet facilities with 79.9% not owning household toilets. 97.2% practice handwashing before eating, 81.8% practice handwashing after going to toilet but 80.2% of households had soap for handwashing. 23.87% of the households reported an incidence of a WASH – related disease within the past two weeks. The incidence of WASH – related diseases was statistically significantly associated with improved water sources (X2 =6.565, p=0.010), water treatment (X2 =16.622, p=0.000), alternative place of convenience (X2 =15.170, p=0.010), type of household solid waste disposal system (X2 =37.542, p=0.000) and presence of soap for handwashing (X2 =5.599, p=0.018). The qualitative data revealed Islamic religion, Dagbon tradition and the predominant role of women in WASH as the socio-economic factors influencing WASH practices. Providing access to affordable improved WASH facilities and the enforcement of WASH-related byelaws are required to reduce the incidence of WASH related diseases especially in urban areas like the Tamale Metropolis.

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