Physicochemical and Bacteriological analysis of drinking water knowledge and practice of water sanitation and hygiene and their effects on the health of the People of Gashua town Yobe State Nigeria

Abstract

Provision of wholesome water alone cannot effectively accomplished the goal of having improved water if it is not accompanied by practice of proper sanitation and hygiene at community and household levels. The aim of the study was to find out the status of drinking water quality and knowledge and practice of water sanitation and hygiene among the residents of Gashua town of Bade local government area ofYobe state Nigeria. Samples of water were collected from Boreholes, Hand Pumps, WASH Boreholes, and well across the six clusters of Katuzu, Lawan Fannami, Lawan Musa, Sabon Gari, Sarkin Hausawa, and Zango using cluster and purposive sampling methods and transported to Yobe state University Analytical laboratory for Physicochemical and Bacteriological analysis. Data on knowledge and practice of water sanitation and hygiene was collected by administration of questionnaires to 379 households. The result obtained from water analysis revealed that most of the water sources have concentrations of cadmium, chromium, and iron, higher than the limits set by the World Health Organisation while Arsenic, and turbidity were found to be higher in some water sources while E.coli was detected in all the water sources. However, results from survey indicated that 76% of the households are using improved sources of water, 76.8% are using improved sanitation, 77% perceived water as wholesome, and 63.3% are not practicing any form water treatment at household level. Moreover, significant relationship was established between gender and household water treatment (X2=29.885, Pgt 0.000).The study concluded that all water sources are contaminated and not fit for consumption without treatment. The scholar recommended that water sources should be regularly monitored and assessed to ascertain it potability and calls for water sanitation and hygiene promotion, training and campaign among members of the community. newline newline newlineKeywords: Water, Quality, Knowledge, Practice, Sanitation, Hygiene. newline