WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH) PRACTICES AND THE INCIDENCE OF WASH RELATED DISEASES WITHIN THE TAMALE METROPOLITAN AREA

Improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices have been the most effective means of reducing the incidence of WASH-related diseases. This thesis assessed the association between WASH practices and the incidence of WASH-related diseases in the Tamale Metropolitan area of Ghana. The mixed method approach was employed with an explanatory study design. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample household heads and purposive sampling to select key informants for the quantitative and qualitative phases, respectively. A household survey, direct observations and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Using SPSS and MS excel, both descriptive and bivariate (Chi – squares[X2 ]) statistical analysis were done for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The quantitative results revealed that out of the 398 households covered, 64.1% of them draw water from improved sources. 81.41% use unimproved toilet facilities with 79.9% not owning household toilets. 97.2% practice handwashing before eating, 81.8% practice handwashing after going to toilet but 80.2% of households had soap for handwashing. 23.87% of the households reported an incidence of a WASH – related disease within the past two weeks. The incidence of WASH – related diseases was statistically significantly associated with improved water sources (X2 =6.565, p=0.010), water treatment (X2 =16.622, p=0.000), alternative place of convenience (X2 =15.170, p=0.010), type of household solid waste disposal system (X2 =37.542, p=0.000) and presence of soap for handwashing (X2 =5.599, p=0.018). The qualitative data revealed Islamic religion, Dagbon tradition and the predominant role of women in WASH as the socio-economic factors influencing WASH practices. Providing access to affordable improved WASH facilities and the enforcement of WASH-related byelaws are required to reduce the incidence of WASH related diseases especially in urban areas like the Tamale Metropolis.