Risk factors associated with hygiene and sanitation practices in public secondary schools in Kitale municipality Trans Nzoia county, Kenya

Abstract

Sanitation and hygiene play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment in schools. However, public secondary schools in Kitale Municipality, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, face persistent challenges in maintaining adequate sanitation and hygiene standards. This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with sanitation and hygiene practices in these schools, focusing on the level of adherence to cleanliness protocols, the factors influencing sanitation and hygiene, and students' perceptions of the prevailing conditions. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing stratified random sampling to select 385 students and 40 teachers from various public secondary schools. Data collection methods included structured questionnaires, interviews, and observational checklists. Descriptive statistics, including means and cross-tabulations, were used for data analysis, while Pearson’s Chi-square test determined the relationships between variables, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The findings indicated that while some cleanliness protocols were observed, significant gaps remained in waste collection and sanitation facility maintenance. Many schools lacked proper waste disposal mechanisms, adequate water distribution, and sufficient funding for maintaining hygiene infrastructure. The study also found that compliance with school health guidelines, such as medical certification for food handlers, was low. Moreover, inadequate access to water and handwashing stations contributed to unhygienic conditions, increasing the risk of sanitation-related diseases. However, students demonstrated an informed perception of hygiene standards, largely due to public health education initiatives. The study concluded that inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and lack of consistent enforcement of sanitation policies were the primary barriers to maintaining proper hygiene standards. It recommends that the Ministry of Education allocate additional resources for sanitation infrastructure and partner with donors to improve water supply and waste disposal. The Trans-Nzoia County Public Health Department should conduct regular sanitary inspections and ensure compliance with hygiene guidelines. Furthermore, school administrators should enhance awareness programs and health education to foster sustainable hygiene practices among students and staff.