Students' attitudes towards water and sanitation facilities in selected secondary schools in Kanungu and Wakiso Districts during post COVID-19 era in Uganda

Abstract

Attitudes influence a person’s behavior, decisions and interactions with others. In view of this, a study was undertaken to assess the attitudes of students towards utilization of the available water and sanitation facilities in selected secondary schools within Kanungu and Wakiso districts in Uganda. The study was underpinned by the theory of planned behavior change because attitude influences behavior and school environment can shape students' attitudes towards use of water and sanitation facilities. The objectives were to document the water sources used by students at home, assess students’ attitudes and knowledge of water and sanitation facilities in secondary schools. This study adopted comparative research design with a mixed method approach. A structured questionnaire was administered to 153 students and key informant question guide was used to collect additional information from 10 key informants. Data were subjected to t- test and logistic regression analysis. Results revealed that students who felt comfortable using the schools’ toilets had positive attitudes towards water sources and sanitation facilities. There was significant difference in the attitudes of students’ Kanungu and Wakiso schools towards water and sanitation facilities, safety of tap water used for drinking and provision of soap and hand washing facilities. The main sources of water used in the homes of the students from Kanungu district are unprotected springs while piped water is used mainly by homes in Wakiso district. It is recommended that soap and hand washing facilities should be provided to shape the students’ attitudes and knowledge of water and sanitation facilities as a good hygiene practice.