Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Elimination of water related diseases requires behaviour change
regarding water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices. These
behaviours are transferrable to generations though are difficult to change.
However, it is reported that children are most appropriate medium through
which WASH behaviours could be changed. This study, therefore, explored
how school children could serve as agents of WASH behaviour change
practices in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District. Using Convergent Parallel
Mixed Method Research Design, a multi-stage sampling technique was
employed to select 552 pupils and 56 teachers from WASH and Non-WASH
schools, 8 School-based Health Coordinators, and 272 household heads to
obtain quantitative and qualitative data with Interview Schedule, Observation
Checklist and Focus Group Discussions. The results revealed that pupils in
WASH compared with non-WASH schools had the potential to serve as
agents of WASH behaviour change because their WASH behaviours; were
guided by action plans, exhibited better knowledge and practice, and were
confident of their abilities to influence WASH behaviours of their households.
Teachers in both school-types received no formal training on WASH.
Household heads trusted information they received from pupils. Inadequate
WASH facilities in homes and attitudes of families towards pupils were
barriers to communication of WASH information. It was recommended
among others that Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders in WASH
activities collaborate to ensure schools and the communities are provided with
WASH facilities to enhance acquisition of proper WASH behaviours in other
to teach their households.
