Abstract:
Background: Poor sanitary facilities in schools
increase the risk of infections, a major cause of
morbidity and mortality in developing countries.
Methods: A cross sectional study of 66 primary
schools (20 public and 46 private) in Jos North Local
Government Area of Nigeria was conducted to
ascertain the availability of sanitary facilities. The
following parameters were assessed: availability and
type of toilet facilities, toilet: pupil ratio, availability
and source of water, refuse disposal facilities and
facilities for hand-washing.
Results: All 46 (100%) private schools and 6 (30%)
2
public schools had toilets (÷ =40.87 p<0.0001).
Toilet: pupil ratio was >1:30 in 44 (85%) of the 52
schools with toilets, six public and 38 private schools
2
(÷ =1.23, p= 0.27). Thirty five (76%) private and 5
2
(25%) public schools had pipe - borne water (÷ =
15.23, p< 0.001). Sixty (91%) schools practiced open
dumping of refuse. Soap/ detergent for hand-washing
were available in 28 (61%) private and 1 (5%) public
2
school (÷ = 15.5, p< 0.0001).
Conclusion: This study revealed poor sanitary facilities
especially in public primary schools in Jos North
Local Government Area. Attention should be paid to
the school environment as an essential component of
the school health programme to promote the health
of the pupils and the community.
