Household Water Collection Burden, Hygiene Practices and Satisfaction with Wash Services in South-South Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH) are important determinants of population health, but nominal access may not reflect reliability, accessibility or adequacy at household level. Objective: This study assessed water-collection burden, hygiene practices and household satisfaction with WASH in Okada, Edo State, Nigeria, and examined factors associated with these outcomes.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional household survey was conducted from April to July 2025 among 289 households in Okada. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme core household questions. Outcomes were handwashing at all key times, consistent soap use and overall satisfaction with WASH services. Satisfaction was assessed across eight service attributes using a five-point scale. Associations were examined using Pearson’s chi-square test and multivariable binary logistic regression with Firth-penalized likelihood. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: Handwashing at all key times was reported by 220 (76.1%) households, while 185 (64.0%) always used soap. Stored water ran out before the next collection in 184 (63.7%) households. The mean overall satisfaction score was 3.38 ± 0.90, with 144 (49.8%) households classified as satisfied, 101 (34.9%). Households without regular soap availability had lower odds of handwashing at all key times. Consistent soap use was less likely among households without a basic handwashing facility. Satisfaction was lower among households without a basic handwashing facility, and with longer water-collection times. Adult male water collection was associated with higher odds of satisfaction (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.13–3.99; p = 0.019).Conclusion: Household WASH experience was characterized by substantial water-collection burden and gaps in consistent soap use. Basic handwashing facilities, regular soap availability and shorter water-collection times were independently associated with hygiene practices and satisfaction. Improving these household-level service conditions may strengthen WASH adequacy and user satisfaction in Okada.