Evaluation of Sanitation/Hygiene Behaviours and Sanitary Conditions Among Households in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Access to sustainable sanitation and hygiene facilities is one of the biggest challenges faced by developing countries because of the increasing population of these regions. This study assessed the environmental sanitation and hygiene behaviours and facilities among households of Jos metropolis, Nigeria. The data used for the research were obtained through observations, field surveys and the use of questionnaire while secondary data sources included information from the internet, books and databases. The study employed random and purposive sampling techniques in the selection of sampled wards of Jos metropolis and elicited information from 383 respondents in the area. The data was analysed through the use of simple descriptive statistics like frequency tables, bar graphs and pie charts. The study revealed that sanitation and hygiene facilities like flush and pour toilets, pit latrines, sink and showers are predominant in most residential houses and majority of people take their bath once in a day because of work pressure and just very few don’t take their baths at all in a day. It therefore recommends among other things that in order to improve the hygiene and the sanitary condition in the area, government and other stakeholders should intensify efforts towards ensuring the success of the monthly environmental sanitation, NGOSs and health facilities should regularly hold health education sessions for households. Also, individuals and other stakeholders should embark on construction of decent public toilets in strategic locations in the metropolis in order to discourage people from defecating in the bush or open spaces.