Assessment of Environmental Sanitation And Diseases Among Students in University of Ghana Legon

ABSTRACT

The recent emergence of concern about environmental sanitation is not a new problem in Ghana. In most third world countries provision of sanitary facilities lag behind the growing population thereby increasing the risk of sanitation-related infections among the people especially in schools. This study assessed the level of environmental sanitation and disease conditions among students on the campus of the University of Ghana, Legon. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data for the study was obtained using both qualitative and quantitative study techniques. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews, observation and physical inspection of sanitary facilities in the residential and lecture halls and the general grounds while structured self-administered questionnaires were administered to resident students in the traditional halls. Data on diseases reported by students at the University health facilities during clinical consultations was obtained from the facility registers. Ethical review was obtained from the ethical review committee of Ghana Health Service. All statistical analysis was done using statistical software packages of EPI Info (version 3.3.2) and SPSS (version 16.0). The study found that Sanitation in the halls had improved tremendously with the outsourcing of janitorial services to private contractors. However, environmental sanitation and waste management in the University remained poor. Accommodation and Sanitary facilities in the traditional halls were inadequate despite expansion in toilets and washrooms. About 80 percent of disease conditions reported in the University health institutions were linked to environmental sanitation, personal hygiene and overcrowding. vi Continuous health education of student and the University community on good sanitation and outsourcing of curatorial services and refuse evacuation to contractors remains the best indicator for waste management and improved health of students