Status of Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Practices in Southern Rwanda

Status of Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Practices in Southern Rwanda

ABSTRACT

Background

Increasing access to water sanitation and promoting basic hygiene behaviours can reduce the burden of diarrheal diseases. Availability of clean water and soap enables and encourages people to wash their hands, and as a result, it reduces the likelihood of disease transmission.

The study intended to assess the hygiene and sanitation practices in Southern Rwanda.

Methods

A mixed method with quantitative and qualitative approach was used. A random sample of 291 households was included in the study. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and observations were used.

The data was analysed using SPSS 21.

Results
The findings show that 88% of respondents had knowledge on best practices of hand washing with soap; 83.5% of the respondents own latrines, and 38% and 26% had the will to improve their toilets roof and slabs respectively.

Forty-four per cent of respondents use boiling water methods and 55% do not treat water at all. Boiling water was regarded as the main water treatment method.

Conclusion

The study concludes that lack of water and soaps, and hand washing facilities were among other factors that hinder hygiene and sanitation.

Key words: Hygiene; sanitation practice