Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices among Pupils in Basic Schools in the Mfantseman Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is critical for health and academic performance. Yet, many schools in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, face significant challenges in providing adequate WASH facilities, leading to profound implications for students' health and academic performance. This study evaluates WASH practices among pupils in basic schools in the Mfantseman Municipality, Ghana, using a mixed-method approach involving 368 pupils from 16 schools. Findings reveal that while most schools have access to water and sanitation facilities, many are partially functional or non-operational, particularly in rural areas. Although handwashing facilities are widely available, only 30.2% of pupils consistently wash their hands with soap before meals, despite higher rates (63.3%) after toilet use. The study highlights the lack of separate facilities for menstrual hygiene management, disproportionately affecting female students. These findings underscore the need for improved WASH infrastructure and behaviour change interventions. This study contributes to the literature on WASH in schools. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that the Ghana Education Service, Teachers and Parents should ensure infrastructure improvement while implementing behaviour change interventions in the basic schools.