CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Lord Quick (2013) defined hygiene as the study and practice of preventing illness or stopping it from spreading, by keeping things clean. The concept also refers to the set of practices associated with the preservation of health and healthy living. It is a concept related to medicine as well as to sanitation, professional care and practices affecting most aspects of living; although it is most often associated with disease preventive measures. Hygiene can also be referred to as the science that deals with the promotion of health (Victoria State, Department of Health, 2015).

Sanitation can be described as the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the external body (Johnson, 2015). Sanitation refers to all activities, actions and practices carried out by an individual to keep the body clean and healthy. There are so many benefits attached to sanitation such as prevention of diseases, quick recovery from illnesses, social acceptance by people, emotional satisfaction and good sanitation appearance. Sanitation is the first step to good grooming and good health and this involves all measures taken by individuals to preserve his or her health (Johnson, 2015). Improved standard of hygiene will prevent health problems like dandruff, athletes foot, body odor, pin worms, excessive ear wax, gastro-intestinal diseases ( Web Health Centre, 2015).

Sanitation can also be described as taking care of every part of the body including hands, legs, teeth, ears, hair, eyes and nose. People stay healthy or become ill often as a result of their own actions or behaviors (Leonard, 2014). Some examples of people‘s action or behaviours that can cause diseases are:  not washing hands before eating, defecating anywhere on the open field, not washing hands after defecating, not washing clothes regularly and when necessary, not cleaning the mouth properly with the right materials (Adeniyi, 1994). Sanitation pertains to hygienic practices performed by the individual to care for one‘s bodily health and well-being through cleanliness. Attention to sanitation will help a person look their best, feel their best and can help in avoiding diseases.

Motivations for sanitation practice include reduction of sanitation illness, healing from sanitation illness, optimal health and sense of well-being, social acceptance and prevention of spread of illness to others. An individual‘s sanitationity can be impaired by his failure to give proper care and attention to his body generally (Johnson, 2015).

Effective sanitation and hygiene practices encompass access to clean drinking water, proper waste management, handwashing with soap, and the safe disposal of human excreta. According to UNICEF, approximately 2.3 billion people worldwide still lack basic sanitation services, while 785 million people do not have access to safe drinking water (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, 2021). These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved hygiene education and infrastructure in vulnerable communities. Furthermore, hygiene-related diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in low-income regions, emphasizing the importance of behavioral change and government intervention in promoting better sanitation practices (Njamnshi et al., 2020; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

Several studies have highlighted disparities between hygiene knowledge and actual practice, underscoring the complexity of behavioral change. A study in Nigeria found that while 89% of food handlers had sufficient knowledge and 84% had a positive attitude towards hygiene and sanitation, 38% still engaged in poor hygiene practices, indicating that awareness does not always translate into appropriate behavior (Ajayi and Osungbade, 2021). Similarly, research conducted in Bangladesh reported that while rural populations were aware of personal hygiene measures, consistent implementation was lacking, primarily due to socio-economic and cultural factors (Rahman et al., 2021). This discrepancy highlights the necessity of targeted interventions that bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.

Cultural beliefs and traditional practices further influence sanitation behavior. In Ethiopia, a study on holy water users revealed that while many understood the importance of sanitation, deeply rooted cultural and religious practices sometimes discouraged the adoption of safe hygiene measures (Abera et al., 2023). This suggests that hygiene promotion programs must incorporate culturally sensitive approaches to ensure community acceptance and participation. Additionally, maternal hygiene knowledge plays a crucial role in household sanitation. Research among mothers of under-five children in rural areas demonstrated that enhanced maternal knowledge and attitudes toward sanitation directly correlated with improved hygiene practices within households, leading to lower rates of childhood infections and diarrheal diseases (Ali et al., 2021).

These findings underscore that knowledge alone is insufficient in achieving optimal hygiene and sanitation practices. Attitudinal and behavioral factors, as well as cultural and socio-economic constraints, must be addressed to ensure sustainable improvements. This study seeks to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Mile 16residents towards hygiene and sanitation, identifying key barriers and facilitators that influence behavior. By understanding these factors, this research aims to contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations and intervention strategies that promote improved hygiene and sanitation practices, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.

1.2 Problem Statement

Inadequate hygiene and poor sanitation remain critical public health emergencies, particularly in semi-urban communities such as Mile 16. Poor sanitation practices contribute to the prevalence of waterborne diseases, environmental degradation, and socio-economic challenges. According to WHO, lack of access to proper sanitation and clean water is responsible for over 1.6 million deaths annually, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2020). In Cameroon, studies have shown that cholera outbreaks and other hygiene-related diseases are exacerbated by poor sanitation infrastructure and limited public awareness (Njamnshi et al., 2020; Njifonjou and Ekane, 2021;).

Despite numerous governmental and non-governmental interventions aimed at improving sanitation, many communities still struggle with inadequate hygiene facilities, poor waste disposal systems, and unsafe drinking water sources. UNICEF reports that 34% of Cameroon’s population lacks access to improved sanitation, further increasing vulnerability to preventable diseases (UNICEF, 2021). Additionally, behavioral factors, including cultural beliefs and financial constraints, hinder the adoption of best hygiene practices (Tchouaket et al., 2021).

The Mile 16 community exemplifies these challenges, with rapid urbanization worsening sanitation issues and placing immense pressure on limited hygiene facilities. Studies by Momo et al., 2022 highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address hygiene-related health risks in semi-urban communities. Given these realities, this study seeks to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to hygiene and sanitation among Mile 16 residents.

1.3 Rationale

Cameroon continues to experience periodic outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases due to poor sanitation infrastructure, unsafe drinking water, and inadequate hygiene practices (Njifonjou and Ekane, 2021). The rapid urbanization of semi-urban communities like Mile 16 has placed additional strain on already limited sanitation resources, necessitating an urgent response to prevent further deterioration of public health conditions. Research suggests that community-driven hygiene education, policy enforcement, and infrastructure development are key to mitigating sanitation-related health risks (Momo et al., 2022).

Additionally, this study aligns with national and global efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene, including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030 (United Nations, 2020). Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents regarding hygiene and sanitation is essential for developing targeted interventions that can reduce disease prevalence and improve overall health outcomes (Jenkins et al., 2020).

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge on hygiene and sanitation among Mile 16 residents?
2. What is the level of attitude on hygiene and sanitation among Mile 16 residents?
3. What the practice of Mile 16 residents towards on hygiene and sanitation?

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