School Children as Agents of Water Supply, Sanitation And Hygiene Behaviour Change Practices in the Asikuma-odoben-brakwa District of Ghana

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.