Assessing Environmental Sanitation Knowledge, Practices, and Challenges in Takalau, Birnin Kebbi: A Data-Driven Approach to Community Health Improvement

• Author(s): Bartholomew, Jessica Chinelo ; Bartholomew, Desmond Chekwube ; Iwu, Hyacinth Chukwudi ; Nwafor, Godwin Onyeka ; Oguguo, Simplicius Chidiebere
• Paper ID: 1708383
• Page: 609-629
• Published Date: 12-05-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 11 May-2025

Abstract

Environmental sanitation remains a critical public health concern, particularly in developing communities where poor sanitation practices contribute significantly to disease transmission and environmental degradation. In Takalau, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, inadequate knowledge, limited resources, and infrastructural challenges hinder effective sanitation practices. This study investigates the level of knowledge, current practices, challenges, and strategies for improving environmental sanitation among residents of Takalau, with a focus on the influence of education on these factors. A structured questionnaire comprising 20 items across four constructs: knowledge of environmental sanitation, current sanitation practices, sanitation challenges, and improvement strategies was administered. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed using Cronbach's Alpha (? > 0.95 for all constructs). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to extract dominant factors within each construct, supported by the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity to confirm data suitability for factor analysis. Furthermore, Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the influence of education level on environmental sanitation dimensions. The results showed a high level of knowledge about environmental sanitation among residents (87.13% variance explained by a single component; KMO = 0.919), with all five knowledge items loading strongly (> 0.91). Current sanitation practices were also relatively strong (83.73% variance explained; KMO = 0.906), though challenges such as poor drainage systems, weak law enforcement, and cultural constraints were prominent (87.44% variance explained; KMO = 0.917). Recommended improvement strategies included government enforcement of sanitation laws and community education programs (86.41% variance explained; KMO = 0.912). The Chi-square analysis revealed that education level significantly influenced knowledge (?² = 11.047, p = 0.011) and preferred improvement strategies (?² = 19.630, p = 0.000), but not current practices or perceived challenges. The study recommends that targeted educational interventions be prioritized to sustain and further improve sanitation knowledge and community-driven improvement strategies. Additionally, policy support is needed to address infrastructural challenges and to promote the enforcement of environmental sanitation laws across all education levels.

Keywords

Environmental Sanitation in Nigeria, Sanitation Practices in Birnin Kebbi, Public Health and Hygiene Awareness, Impact of Education on Sanitation, Sanitation Challenges in Rural Communities.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Bartholomew, Jessica Chinelo , Bartholomew, Desmond Chekwube , Iwu, Hyacinth Chukwudi , Nwafor, Godwin Onyeka , Oguguo, Simplicius Chidiebere "Assessing Environmental Sanitation Knowledge, Practices, and Challenges in Takalau, Birnin Kebbi: A Data-Driven Approach to Community Health Improvement" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 11 2025 Page 609-629

IEEE:
Bartholomew, Jessica Chinelo , Bartholomew, Desmond Chekwube , Iwu, Hyacinth Chukwudi , Nwafor, Godwin Onyeka , Oguguo, Simplicius Chidiebere "Assessing Environmental Sanitation Knowledge, Practices, and Challenges in Takalau, Birnin Kebbi: A Data-Driven Approach to Community Health Improvement" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(11)