Abstract

Background: Provision of safe water and sanitation facilities in schools is an opportunity towards living in a healthy learning environment. However, many schools in developing countries lack adequate water and sanitation services. Therefore, this study intended to assess the status of school sanitation service and describe the reasons affecting school Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services in Kimbibit Woreda.

Methods: A Cross-sectional study design, involving all public schools (48) found in the area were employed in North Shewa Zone Kimbibit Woreda. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data. Data was entered, cleaned using EPI INFO version 3.5.3 and exported to SPSS version 20 statistical package for further analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to present the findings.

Results: School population ratio to single latrine seat was found 60:1. Latrine ratio for female students was lower than males. Predominantly about 34 (70.8%) of schools were utilized a simple pit latrine. The proportion of separate latrine for male and female students were 29.2%, and only 16 (33.3%) were kept as hygienic. The hand washing facilities near to the latrine were very low, which was 9 (6.3%), and none of this facilities have had water supply and ash or soap for hand washing. A very few 8 (16.7%) latrines were found to be safe to be utilized by the respondents. Eleven (22.9%) of the school latrines were kept clean as much as possible. In 16.7% of school, health education program was provided to students bruptly. Only 18 (37.5%) schools had school WASH club and even these club were not well functional. On the other hand, the level to which water is utilized in the school depends on the accessibility of the water source within the school and the ease with which the water can be fetched from the source. The main water sources were accessible from protected spring water 18 (37.5%) and Borehole or shallow well 18 (37.5%).

Conclusion and recommendation: The overall findings revealed that the public schools lacked basic facilities and services of water, hygiene and sanitation and are generally unsafe. Therefore, a coordinated effort need among different stakeholders to safeguard school environment.

Keywords: Schools; Latrine; Wash; Sanitation facilities; Water supply