Perceived Influence of Hostel Sanitation Practices on Students’ Health at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived influence of hostel sanitary practices onstudents’ health at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Three objectives guidedthe study. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. The population forthe study was the 7129 assigned occupants of the 16 hostels in UNN out ofwhich 160 respondents were randomly selected. A structured questionnairewas used for the data collection and the data were analyzed using means andstandard deviations. The findings showed that the causes of poor hostelsanitary practices were water scarcity (mean=3.58), lack of hygiene instruction(mean=3.13) and lack of garbage containers for disposing of waste(mean=3.8). The findings also showed that strategies/measures to improvesanitation include: controlling overcrowding of students in each room (mean3.56). The university authorities should provide waste disposal cans (mean=3.07) and hygiene instructions ( mean=3.56) should be provided for students.Also, the study found that the perceived health implications of poor sanitarypractices were food poisoning (mean=3.50), depression (mean=3.8), diarrhoea(mean=3.28), cholera (3.59), and skin irritation(mean=3.50). Therecommendations are that wash-related materials and agents should beregularly supplied to ensure quality cleaning services, also toilet cleaningchecklist be introduced to ensure quality cleaning services by cleaningprofessionals, low-cost menstrual hygiene-related disposal materials placed inexisting buildings in female hostels and there should be a participation ofstudents in environmental sanitation