Abstract

Background: A supportive learning environment and high-quality education are facilitated by awareness of access to better water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The main objective of this study is to examine the level of awareness of WASH. The specific goals is to determine factors associated with the level of WASH awareness among the respondents.

Methods: A stratified sampling technique was employed to select sample of 244 adolescent secondary school students who are admitted to the school. However, 214 students agreed to participate in the cross-sectional study by answering validated, self-administered questions. A standardized, pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire was used in this study. The data were then analyzed using SPSS 25.

Results: The study found that 52% of participants had low level of WASH awareness. Chi-square test showed significant associations were observed between WASH awareness level, and age (p-value=0.001), and educational level (p-value=0.001. Significant associations were observed between WASH awareness level and the main source of drinking water (p-value=0.029), type of school toilets (p-value=0.031), whether toilets are separate for boys and girls (p-value=0.013), and whether both soap and water are currently available at the hand washing facilities (p-value=0.012) among respondents
Conclusion: The present level of WASH awareness among adolescents in secondary school was determined to be insufficient, according to this study, which offers fresh perspectives on WASH in schools. Therefore, to protect the health of students and the community at large, sustainable WASH initiatives are needed to raise awareness of WASH.

Key words: Hygiene; Awareness; Sanitation; Students; WASH; Water