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Abutu Diyaudeen Final Project Work
Abutu Diyaudeen Final Project Work
ABUTU DIYAUDEEN
9669219
studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of
Education
July, 2023
DECLARATION
CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this project work is the result of my own original research and that no part
of it has been presented for another B. ED to the Institute of Education, Kwame Nkrumah
Signature: …………………………
Date: ……………………………….
SUPERVISOR’S DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the preparation and presentation of the project work were supervised in
accordance with the guidelines on supervision of project work laid down by the Kwame
Signature: ……………………………….
Date: …………………………………….
Coordinator’s Name…………………………………………………
Signature…………………………………………………………….
Date………………………………………………………………………..
ABSTRACT
The study was undertaken to find out the effects of poor sanitation on the educational
development of pupils at Kumbungu D/A Junior High School Block ‘B’. The instruments used
for the study were questionnaire and observation. The study covers the entire school population
but forty (40) respondents were used in the study through purposive sampling. Tables and
percentages were used in analysis and discussions of the data obtained for the study. The results
indicated that poor sanitation was largely attributed to ignorance of pupils and lack of
encouragement from teachers to practice sanitation. Besides, pupils were unwilling to practice
sanitation because they thought it was a form of punishment. Finally, health education was
deficient in the school. The recommendations included the provision of waste bins and tools to
basic schools across the country by stakeholders in collaboration with basic school management
and organization of sensitization program by Ghana Education Service to enlighten teachers and
My first thank goes to the Almighty Allah (SWT) for guiding me through this research
work. I also express my profound gratitude to my supervisor, Mr. Mohammed Hamid Abdul Aziz
my History lecturer of Tamale College of Education, for his objective advice and guidance given
to me during this research work. I learnt a lot through his committed and systematic valuable
comments on all aspects of the project work. My appreciation also goes to Kumbungu D/A
Junior High School Block ‘B’ Headteacher Mr. Sulemana Muftaw, the entire staff and learners’
for the space they granted me to undertake this study. Also, I would like the acknowledge my
colleague mentee’s Abdul Fatau Sa-eed (FT), Abubakari Mubarik, and Abudu’s Electricals (L
Prince) for their unflinching support throughout this research work. Finally, I appreciate all the
This project work is dedicated to my lovely Mom Yakubu Fati, my lovely Dad Kassim
Abutu (Buu), my brother’s, my sister’s and the entire Alhaji Kassim Family for their unflinching
support throughout my studies in school. Also, I dedicated this project work to anyone who has
contributed and supported me either cash or kind throughout my educational carrier, am forever
greatful.
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE (1)
Introduction
great Challenge. Kumbungu district and families do not have access to decent sanitary facilities
and the couple of accessible ones are not kept or made safe for human use along these
lines making local area individuals particularly learners of Kumbungu D/A Block ‘B’
defenseless against a wide scope of infections connected to poor sanitation. An action research is
proper Health Education and to help improve poor sanitation if not completely eradicate it, but to
promote good life and maintain good health among learners in Kumbungu D/A Junior High
School Block ‘B’. This chapter will cover the background to the study, statement of the problem,
purpose of the study, research questions, significance of the study, Delimitations, Limitations
Sanitation plays a crucial role in promoting health and preventing the spread of
diseases. In many parts of the world, inadequate sanitation facilities and poor hygiene practices
pose significant challenges, especially among learners in educational institutions. Children and
adolescents spend a significant portion of their time in schools, making educational institutions
an ideal setting for implementing interventions to improve sanitation and hygiene practices.
Health education programs targeted at learners have the potential to create positive behavioral
of solid and liquid wastages and hygienic behavior. So basically, sanitation refers to having
access to facilities for the safe disposal of human waste (Faeces and urine), as well as having the
ability to maintain hygienic condition, through services such as garbage collection, industrial or
Furthermore, effective hygiene and Sanitation promotion is a major challenge for many
low income countries. Thus, there is a positive relationship between ill health, poor water
supply, sanitation and hygiene. This has been a major concerned of public health (Bartram &
Cairncross,2010). That is why, when sanitation improves, people's livelihood and health or
wellbeing will become better thereby enhancing economic productivity of the masses (Kumie &
Ali,2005). Due to this, World Bank Group (2000) estimate annual economic losses to the tune of
$260 billion in developing countries due to poor sanitation and it is estimated that about 2.5
million children lose their lives through diarrhea diseases that could have been simply prevented
Also, according to (WASH BCC,2011) there is growing awareness among public health
practitioners that, until proper hygiene is consistently practiced, both at home and in the
community as a whole, the desired impact of improved water and sanitation infrastructure in
terms of community health benefits cannot be realized. It is therefore important that sanitation is
treated as a major sector which encourages research, innovations and development as well as
However, the Global Sanitation Crisis, despite significant progress made in recent years,
a global sanitation crisis persists, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to
the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF),
approximately 4.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed sanitation facilities.
Inadequate sanitation infrastructure, coupled with poor hygiene behaviors, contribute to the
spread of diseases, such as diarrhea, illnesses, cholera, typhoid fever, and other waterborne
infections.
Also, the Impact on Learners, particularly children, are highly susceptible to the adverse
effects of poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Contaminated water sources, lack of clean
toilets, and improper waste management in schools can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced
Moreover, learners often lack knowledge about proper hand washing techniques, the
importance of using clean toilets, and the significance of overall hygiene practices. Addressing
these issues through health education programs is crucial to ensuring a safe and healthy learning
powerful tool to promote positive behavior change and improve sanitation practices among
learners. It involves imparting knowledge and skills to individuals, enabling them to make
informed decisions and adopt healthy behaviors. Effective health education programs focus on
raising awareness about the benefits of good sanitation and hygiene practices, such as regular
hand-washing, using clean toilets, and safe disposal of waste. These programs also emphasize the
changes
Statement of the problem
The main motive of writing on this topic is that, the learners including the occupants
dump waste whenever at the edge of the school compound. This has been observed by the
Moreover, most of the learners doesn’t clean or wash their hands with soap and water
after nature’s call the learners equally are not used to dumping refuse into the few dust bins
available.
Additionally, the researcher further went on to few instructors and learners in the school
and they all confirmed that sanitation is a big issue to cope with. It is this light the researcher
needs to further develop and educate the learners of Kumbungu D/A Junior High School Block
‘B’, to dig into issues of sanitation to impact positively on the scene in the school.
The purpose of the study is to improve sanitation among pupils of Kumbungu D/A JHS
examine the causes of poor sanitation, assess the effects of poor sanitation on academic work
and the use health education as an intervention to improve sanitation among learners in
3. What measures can be put in place to improve poor sanitation among learners?
The researcher is aimed to educate the learners of Kumbungu D/A Junior High School
Firstly, to help learners and members of staff to be aware of the causes and effects of poor
sanitation on the academic performance of learners, hence improving sanitation will curve to
Also, the finding will enable Ghana Education Service (G.E.S) and district directorate
of education to come out with policies and programs that will sharpen the skills of the
Finally, it will also help further researcher to do more findings on the concepts of
Delimitation
The research has been restricted to only learners’ of Kumbungu D/A Junior High
School Block ’B’ because the duration for the research is less than a year. Even though, other
schools at the district may need this intervention to improve sanitation among learners in
their schools but research could not extend to them for the limited nature of the duration for
the researcher.
Limitation
In carrying out the research, the researcher, faced the following challenges:
The researcher finds it difficult in incorporating the classroom workouts with the project
work.
Also, the out segment of the teaching practice brought about difficulty for the
researcher to get regular and consecutive assistance from the project work supervisor.
Kumbungu D/A Junior High School made it difficult for this task to be executed in the out
segment.
In addition, network problems and electricity power outage were also a challenge the
Finally, Financial problems were also faced by the researcher since he has to buy
research materials, search for information on the internet and move from one library to another
library and also from person to person to administer questionnaires and interviews about
sanitation.
In the first chapter talks about the introduction which includes the background of the study,
statement of the problem, purpose of the study, research questions, significance of the study,
The second chapter also deals with the literature review. Here, the researcher
reviewed relevant literature of the study. In order words, what other people have said about
this particular work, their theories and suggestions to the study. Here, it highlights the
The third chapter contains the research methodology which describes the various
methods used by the researcher to collect data for the study. It also exposes its strength,
The fourth chapter talks about the analysis of data, the result of the study, discussion and
its summary.
recommendations based on the outcome of the research. Then followed by the references of
Introduction
preventing the spread of diseases, promoting public health, and fostering sustainable
development. This literature review examines the research conducted by prominent scholars in
the field, providing insights into the evolution of sanitation practices and its contemporary
significance.
Meaning of sanitation
Sanitation is a crucial aspect of public health and has been recognized as a fundamental human
right by the United Nations. It encompasses a range of practices and facilities aimed at
promoting hygiene, preventing the spread of diseases, and maintaining a clean and safe
environment. This literature review explores the meaning of sanitation, drawing upon the views
of various scholars and experts in the field. By examining their perspectives, we gain a
facilities and services for the safe disposal of human urine and feces" (WHO, 2019). According
to the WHO, sanitation also includes the promotion of personal hygiene practices, such as hand-
washing with soap, as well as the proper management of solid waste and wastewater. Curtis et al.
(2011): Curtis et al. argue that sanitation extends beyond the mere provision of infrastructure and
factors, such as the use of toilets and hand-washing facilities, as well as the acceptance and
adoption of good hygiene practices within communities. Their research emphasizes the need for
a holistic approach to sanitation that addresses both physical infrastructure and social behavior
perspective. He argues that sanitation should not only focus on individual health but also
consider the impact on the wider ecosystem. He highlights the importance of sustainable
sanitation systems that minimize water pollution, conserve resources, and promote
environmental sustainability. Mara emphasizes the need to move beyond basic sanitation
the burden of disease. Their research demonstrates the strong link between inadequate sanitation
and the transmission of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera. They stress that
sanitation plays a vital role in preventing these diseases and protecting public health. Their
They argue that improved sanitation facilities and practices contribute to enhanced dignity,
privacy, and gender equality, particularly for women and girls. Furthermore, they emphasize the
healthcare costs. Their research underscores the broader developmental impact of sanitation
than just the provision of infrastructure and services for waste disposal. Scholars emphasize the
defining sanitation. It is clear that sanitation is a multifaceted concept that plays a critical role in
comprehensive approach to sanitation, policymakers and practitioners can effectively address the
complex challenges associated with sanitation provision and contribute to improved health
Meaning of health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), defines health as "a state of
complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity." This holistic definition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of health and recognizes
importance of a person's ability to adapt and cope with their environment in defining health. He
argued that health is "a quality of adaptation and self-realization that enables an individual to
survive with dignity and to maintain a sense of well-being" (Dubos, 1965). Dubos' perspective
emphasizes the dynamic nature of health and its link to individual empowerment.
communities to take control of their health. According to Green and Kreuter (1999), health
education is "any combination of planned learning experiences based on sound theories that
provide individuals, groups, and communities with the information, skills, and opportunities to
make quality health decisions." It involves addressing knowledge gaps, fostering positive
attitudes, and promoting behavior change through education, communication, and advocacy
However, Health education draws upon various theoretical frameworks to inform its
practice. The Health Belief Model (HBM), proposed by Rosenstock (1974), emphasizes
individuals' beliefs and perceptions about health threats and benefits, which influence their
developed by McLeroy et al. (1988), highlights the interaction between individual, interpersonal,
overarching goals. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, established by the World Health
enabling individuals to gain control over their health, fostering supportive environments for
health, and strengthening community action for health promotion. Achieving these goals
involves enhancing health literacy, promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing diseases, and
empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being (WHO, 1986).
employed in health education to effectively disseminate information and drive behavior change.
These include individual counseling, group discussions, community mobilization, mass media
campaigns, peer education, and digital technologies (Sørensen et al., 2012). The use of culturally
appropriate and tailored interventions, such as culturally sensitive health promotion materials and
language translation services, is crucial for reaching diverse populations and addressing health
programs is vital for determining their impact on individuals and communities. Evaluation
frameworks, such as the RE-AIM model (Glasgow et al., 1999), assess program reach,
increased knowledge, improved self-efficacy, behavior change, and reduced disease burden
Access to proper sanitation facilities is crucial for promoting health, well-being and
overall educational outcomes among learners. Unfortunately, poor sanitation remains a persistent
challenge in many educational settings worldwide, negatively impacting the lives of students.
This literature review aims to explore the causes of poor sanitation among learners, drawing on
According to Smith and Steinemann (2020), schools in low-income countries often lack basic
Secondly, Limited Access to Clean Water, Access to clean water is essential for
particularly in resource-constrained areas, face challenges in providing safe and sufficient water
supply. The study by Khushk and Khalique (2018) highlights the correlation between limited
management of sanitation facilities are critical for ensuring their functionality and sustainability.
Neglected or poorly maintained facilities can deteriorate over time, leading to unhygienic
conditions. Cairncross et al. (2018) argue that inadequate maintenance and management
influence sanitation practices among learners. In some communities, sanitation may be given
lower priority compared to other pressing needs, leading to a lack of investment and resources in
improving sanitation infrastructure. The study by Freeman (2018) emphasizes the role of cultural
about proper sanitation and hygiene practices contribute to poor sanitation among learners.
Education campaigns focusing on hygiene promotion and behavior change are crucial for
addressing this issue. WaterAid (2020) suggests that comprehensive hygiene education programs
can help empower learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for maintaining good
sanitation practices.
exacerbate poor sanitation conditions in schools. Low-income households may lack resources to
invest in adequate sanitation facilities or to maintain them over time. Furthermore, marginalized
communities and those in remote areas may face additional challenges due to limited access to
services and infrastructure. McIntyre et al. (2019) highlight the link between poverty, inequality,
various factors, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to clean water, poor
maintenance, cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and poverty. Addressing these underlying
development, behavior change initiatives, and education campaigns. By understanding the causes
of poor sanitation, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders can work together to create
sustainable solutions and promote a healthy learning environment for all learners.
maintaining public health and preventing the spread of diseases. In educational settings, poor
sanitation can have significant implications for learners, affecting their overall health,
educational outcomes, and socio-economic development. This literature review aims to explore
the effects of poor sanitation among learners, highlighting the viewpoints of various scholars.
First and foremost, Impact on Health, Poor sanitation facilities in schools can lead to a
range of health problems among learners. According to Cairncross et al. (2010), inadequate
sanitation increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and parasitic
infections. These diseases can result in frequent absences from school, decreased concentration,
and compromised cognitive development among learners (O'Reilly and Louis, 2014).
Furthermore, a study by Freeman et al. (2012) emphasized that poor sanitation facilities
contribute to the prevalence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like soil-transmitted helminth
infections, which can impair physical growth and lead to malnutrition among learners.
outcomes is well-documented. Scholars have highlighted that learners in schools with inadequate
sanitation facilities are more likely to miss classes due to illness (Guiteras et al., 2015). This
absenteeism disrupts their learning continuity, leading to poor academic performance and
reduced educational attainment (Dreibelbis et al., 2013). Moreover, the lack of proper sanitation
amenities, such as separate toilets for boys and girls, can pose challenges for menstrual hygiene
management among female learners, contributing to their school dropout rates (Sommer et al.,
2016).
among learners should not be underestimated. Several scholars have explored the psychological
and social implications of inadequate sanitation facilities. Travers et al. (2018) highlighted that
learners often experience feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem due to the lack
of privacy and cleanliness in sanitation facilities. These negative emotions can have long-lasting
effects on learners' mental well-being, leading to social isolation and reluctance to attend school
implications for learners and their communities. Several studies have demonstrated that
improved sanitation facilities in schools positively contribute to increased enrolment rates and
higher retention rates (Hathi et al., 2017). On the contrary, the absence of adequate sanitation
infrastructure can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and hinder economic development by limiting
learners' access to quality education (Hulland et al., 2015). Scholars argue that investing in
improved sanitation facilities can yield substantial economic benefits in the long run by reducing
sanitation among learners. It emphasizes the detrimental impact on health, educational outcomes,
environment, prevent disease transmission, and enhance educational opportunities for learners.
infrastructure development, hygiene promotion, and policy interventions to ensure the well-being
Considering the literature on effects of poor sanitation, one can conclude that the health
and livelihood of the learners in the school is in danger as long as they continue in the filthy
environment of Kumbungu D/A JHS. Also, the environment is threatened while social and
economic development is retarded. These numerous effects of poor sanitation either takes
children out of school or make them inattentive due the filthy environment or the pain they may
be going through as a result of the disease they are infected with hence hindering effective
Access to adequate sanitation facilities is crucial for promoting the health, well-being,
and educational outcomes of learners. However, poor sanitation remains a pressing issue in many
educational settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This literature review
aims to explore various solutions proposed by scholars to address the problem of poor sanitation
among learners. By examining a range of scholarly views and insights, this review provides
critical component of public health and education. Unfortunately, many learners around the
world face the challenge of poor sanitation conditions, leading to increased health risks,
absenteeism, and decreased educational achievement. This literature review synthesizes
scholarly research to identify potential solutions and interventions to address the issue of poor
Firstly, Integrated Infrastructure Development, Scholars have emphasized the need for
construction and maintenance of clean, accessible, and gender-segregated toilet facilities within
educational institutions (Gelaw et al., 2019). Additionally, water supply systems, hand-washing
stations, and waste management mechanisms are crucial components of improved sanitation
infrastructure (O'Reilly et al., 2017). These infrastructure improvements not only promote better
role in promoting good hygiene practices among learners. Scholars argue that education
programs should focus on raising awareness about the importance of sanitation, hand-washing
techniques, and proper toilet usage (Snel et al., 2018). Such interventions should employ
participatory and interactive approaches, engaging learners, teachers, parents, and community
members to foster sustainable behavior change (Caruso et al., 2020). Furthermore, incorporating
sanitation and hygiene education into the curriculum can help instill long-term habits and
knowledge.
policy support and collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges of poor sanitation
among learners effectively. Governments should prioritize sanitation in national policies, allocate
sufficient budgets, and establish regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance and monitoring
(NGOs), educational institutions, and communities are crucial for implementing comprehensive
sanitation programs (Wilbur et al., 2021). Collaboration enables the pooling of resources,
Finally, solutions are paramount. Scholars highlight the need for regular maintenance,
repair, and monitoring of sanitation facilities (Parker et al., 2019). Engaging the school
community, including learners, teachers, and parents, in the maintenance and management of
Sustainable financing models, such as public-private partnerships, can also contribute to the
sanitation facilities, water supply systems, hygiene education, and sustained efforts for
create an enabling environment that promotes better sanitation practices among learners and
This literature review explores the significance of health education in addressing poor
sanitation among learners. It highlights the views of scholars on the subject matter, with a focus
on the role of health education in promoting hygiene practices, preventing diseases, and
improving overall well-being. The review underscores the need for comprehensive health
education programs to empower learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for
perspectives, this review aims to shed light on the importance of health education in ensuring the
Poor sanitation poses significant challenges to the health and well-being of learners.
The lack of access to clean water, proper toilets, and adequate hygiene practices in educational
settings contributes to the spread of infectious diseases and undermines the educational outcomes
of students. Health education plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by imparting
knowledge, raising awareness, and promoting positive behaviors related to sanitation and
hygiene. This literature review delves into the views of scholars regarding the importance of
First and foremost, Health Education and Hygiene Practices, Health education serves
as a powerful tool for promoting and sustaining proper hygiene practices among learners.
Scholars emphasize the role of health education in providing learners with essential knowledge
diseases, and fosters a healthy learning environment. Furthermore, research shows that health
education interventions have led to significant improvements in hand-washing behavior and
sanitation practices among learners (Biran et al., 2012; Curtis et al., 2011).
Secondly, Disease Prevention and Control, one of the primary benefits of health
education in relation to poor sanitation is disease prevention and control. Scholars argue that
health education equips learners with information about the causes, symptoms, and preventive
poor sanitation, learners are motivated to adopt safe practices and take proactive measures to
protect themselves and others. The implementation of health education programs has been
associated with reduced rates of diarrheal diseases and other sanitation-related illnesses (Fewtrell
to become agents of change by enabling them to take responsibility for their own health and the
health of their communities. Scholars highlight the transformative potential of health education
in promoting behavior change among learners regarding sanitation practices. By fostering critical
education programs facilitate the adoption of sustainable behaviors and the creation of healthy
habits (Dreibelbis et al., 2013; Scott et al., 2008). Moreover, health education empowers learners
In Conclusion, the literature review underscores the crucial role of health education in
addressing poor sanitation among learners. Scholars consistently emphasize the significance of
health education in promoting hygiene practices, preventing diseases, and empowering learners
to become agents of change. By imparting knowledge, raising awareness, and fostering behavior
change, health education equips learners with the tools necessary to maintain proper sanitation
and hygiene practices. Further research and implementation of comprehensive health education
programs are essential to ensure the well-being and educational success of learners in relation to
sanitation.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Having reviewed literature in the previous chapter, certain key issues have been identified
in relation to the objectives of the study which are relevant to the study of hygiene in the school.
This chapter presents the procedures that were used in collecting data and the tools for analysis
that was used in interpreting the data. This covers the research design, strengths and weaknesses
of the design, population, sample and sample selection, questionnaires and observation were
used as the research instruments, data collection procedure and data analysis plan.
Research Design
The research design in this study is "Action Research". Kenneth A. Gyimah and Eric
Anane (2013, p 91) research methods on education noted that ‘Action research or participatory
progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams or as part of a "
community of practice " to improve the way they address issues and solve problems'. Action
research aims at improving a problem with its related situation through a change. This action
research assists the researcher with recognition of what really persists or continues in the school
compound. Additionally, it seeks to get new information and empowering the researcher to foster
a proper intercession to find an answer to the issue recognized in the school, and more
particularly the school compound. Besides, Action Research has some lapses because it cannot
be used in general case study, and a particular project work that has been carried out and also, it
Population as the entire aggregation of cases that meet designed set of criteria. In this
case, the population of students at Kumbungu D/A junior high school where the study is
undertaken is four hundred and fifty-six (456) pupils, 240 being girls and 216 being boys. Also,
the school has 14 teachers 4 being females and 10 males. Thus, the entire population in the
school is 470.
the whole, selected to participate in the research project (Brink 1996:133; Polit & Hungler
1999:227).
entire population. In this case, Purposive sampling was the method used. Purposive sampling,
sampling in which researchers rely on their own judgement when choosing members of the
Purposively a total of forty (40) key informants were chosen to participate in the
research. In purposive sampling, as the above definition suggest, the researcher handpicks both
the Teacher’s and pupil’s to be included in the sample on the basis of his own judgement of the
performance and knowledge possessed by individuals about the issues under study thus in
purposive sampling, also known as judgemental sampling, the researcher purposely chooses
subjects who in his opinion are thought to be relevant to the research topic (Kenneth.A. G & E.
Annane 2013, p 66).
Those included in the sample are as follows: the headmaster, three (3) form teachers and six
(6) pupils each from six (6) classes making a total of 40 pupils.
The headmaster was picked in light of the fact that he manages the entire school whiles
the form masters were picked because they oversee their various forms classes, the class prefect
and his collaborator with four others learner’s each from the classes were picked due to their
Research Instrument
All research studies involve data collection. In gathering information, the researcher used
questionnaire and observation to obtain information for the research. The level of pupil’s
knowledge on sanitation was the main thing the researcher considered in choosing the instrument
for the study. Also the researcher was mindful of greater assurance of anonymity and
respondent's convenience as far as classes were concern and questionnaires endorsed by the
A qualitative data collection must be flexible and carefully planned, well executed and
appropriately controlled in order to gain respect as a researcher. That is why the researcher
carefully designed the pre-intervention, intervention and post- interventions to solve the problem.
Pre-Intervention
technique the researcher adopted in order to find solution the perceived problem before the actual
intervention. The researcher, after observing the pupil’s behavior towards sanitation in the school
especially during recreational hours realized learners’ behavior towards sanitation was bad, then
the researcher sought permission from the headmaster to carry out some activities. Thus, the
researcher instructed each class to bring two empty frytol gallons to the school, he helped the
pupil to cut-opened each gallon to serve as waste bins in other to reduce the filthy nature of the
school compound. Upon the researcher's improvisation of the waste bins, more than 70% of the
pupils still litter about during recreational hours neglecting the idea employed by the researcher.
He also administered questionnaire to the respondents during their silence hour and break hours
over a period of a week. The respondents were administered on class basis thus a class at a time
hence the others in different classes will not know what was carried out in another class. After
administering questionnaire to pupils successfully, it was revealed that even though poor
sanitation has many causes, ignorance is the major cause of poor sanitation as in the case of
Also, the teachers always admonished the learners to keep the environment clean but the
learners’ always thought it was a form of punishment to them. Due to that, the learners’ do not
keep the school compound clean but they do not know the health hazard it may cause to them.
Finally, health education and provision of waste bins as suggestions for improving sanitation,
majority of the learners’ have no idea about the impact of health education in improving
sanitation
Intervention Activities
Intervention is the method that the researcher employed to enable the pupils understand
and solve the problem. The success of any intervention depends enormously on a combination of
structural, behavioral, individual as well as community components (Parker et al, 2012). The
The researcher carefully organized the learners’ and gave them health educational talk on
the meaning, causes, effects and possible solutions to the problem "Poor Sanitation" using three
consecutive days, always during their silence hour thus, from 6:30-7:30AM each day. This was
done to improve their knowledge of understanding about sanitation and its related problems in
Also, the researcher took the pupils through some interesting activities to improve their
understanding on sanitation. The activities undertaken by the researcher and the learners include:
folding of empty pure water sachets, turning empty gallons into waste bins, using collection of
polythene to form a football, stitching of empty water sachets to form dust covers for computers
It is observed that, the filthy nature of the school compound has improved day in day out,
which means that, the pupils have gotten the concept of Health Education clearly.
Post Intervention
This stage of the methodology evaluates the outcome of the actions taken. At the end of
the intervention, there was the need for the researcher to evaluate the learner’s knowledge to
determine the improvement level of the learners.
A questionnaire was administered again at the same level. The results of the questionnaire
showed that, the researcher had achieved his aims. That is there was a drastic improvement of
sanitation in the school indicating about 80% that practice good sanitation. Also, after the
intervention, it was observed that pupils’ attitudes towards sanitation changed. The learners’
now use the improvised bins and they no longer litter the school compound and the health and
progress of the learner’ are now better-off thereby enhancing teaching and learning.
According to Mara et al., (2010) states that complexity of sanitation demands a clear
analysis of the situation at hand and developing the required strategies that can help achieve
success.
The analysis of data was based on the research questions for the study. As a result, the
data was gathered and organized under the stated research questions. Information under each
were interpreted and explained in line with how it contributes to academic performance of
learners’
In conclusion, the instruments employed by the researcher to record and analyze the data
gathered from the research work are: observation, questionnaire and percentage of responses
from both pre-intervention and post-intervention results using filled data tables. Details of the
This study aims at finding out the effects of poor sanitation on the academic work of
learners in Kumbungu D/A Junior High School. As a result, the researcher conducted three
The data collected under study was analyzed using simple frequency and percentages in
relation to the answers the respondents gave. The framework for qualitative data analysis by
Miles and Huberman (1994) explains that at the reduction phase, data collected is simplified and
transcribed for easy manageability. The analysis includes all the pupils, form teachers and
Meanwhile, this chapter give the social characteristics of the respondents and the
Ages of Respondents
The respondents’ age between 13 years to 16 years, 15% were 13 years and also 15%
representing 57.5%.
Research Questions
Ignorance 22 55%
Laziness 8 20%
Total 40 100
cause of poor sanitation. However, 22 respondents representing 55% said ignorance causes
poor sanitation. On the other hand, 10 of the respondents also said lack of tools and waste
bins.
respondents showed that the cause of poor sanitation is mainly attributed to ignorance.
Research Question 2: What are the effects of poor sanitation in the school?
water
Filthy environment 24 60
Total 40 100
Table 2 is an illustration of how pupils perceive the effects of poor sanitation. Among the
respondents 17.5% said there is outbreak of diseases affecting them and 60% said poor sanitation
makes the environment filthy while 22.5% said poor sanitation contaminates of food and water.
It can clearly be seen from the table above that a great number of the pupils were only
aware of the filthy nature of the environment accompanied poor sanitation in the school despite
health problems and contamination of food and water which could lead to absenteeism and
sickness among learners.
Research Question 3: What measures can be put in place to improve poor sanitation?
The researcher posed this question to enable him gather information on the possible
Punishment 20 50
Health Education 6 15
Total 40 100
From table 3, 50% of the respondents suggested that, culprits should be punished to
serve as a deterrent. Also, 15% Suggested health education while 35% said the school authority
From table 3, it can be deduced that majority of the respondents have no idea about the
Post-Intervention
Then the researcher after taking the respondents through health education during the
intervention designed and administered a similar questionnaire to them. The researcher realized
that, the responses vary from the previous one though the same questions to the same respondents.
Research Question 1: What are the causes of poor sanitation?
Ignorance 32 80
Laziness 2 5
Total 40 100
From the table 4 above, it can be seen that 5% said it was laziness, 15% said lack of
waste bins while 80% said ignorance. It is obvious that majority of the pupils opined that, it is
ignorance on the part of the pupils that brought about the poor sanitation.
Filthy environment 12 30
Total 40 100
From the table 5 above, it is seen that 45% of the respondents said that, increment in health
problem was a major effect, 30% said it can lead to filthy environment and 25% said poor sanitation
attracts contamination of food and water. It is clearly seen that, majority of the respondents
(45%) said they are faced with health problem which means we need to improve health
education.
Research Question 3: What measures can be put in place to improve poor sanitation.
Punishment of learners 2 5
Health Education 34 85
Total 40 100
From table 6, 5% said punishment to culprits, 85% responded to health education and
It is obvious that, majority of the pupils said that, if health education is given to pupils, they
would get the concept and practice sanitation everywhere. Also, when pupils are educated on
the consequences of poor sanitation, they will now use waste bins and other tools to maintain
Summary of Findings
The results of the findings indicate that before the intervention; poor sanitation is
mainly attributed to ignorance, great number of the pupils were only aware of the punishment
that accompanied poor sanitation in the school despite their health and lack of waste bins in
the school compound. Majority of the respondents had no idea about the impact of using
Also after the intervention, it was clear that, many of the pupils agreed that it is
ignorance on the part of the pupils that brought about the poor sanitation, many of the
respondents (85%) said they lacked health education about the causes and effects of poor
sanitation. Finally, health education is a vital aspect in ensuring good health hence affirming
This chapter provides a summary, conclusion and recommendations of the topic under
study towards making future directives and policies. The main aim of the study was to find out
the effects of poor sanitation on the academic performance of pupils in Kumbungu D/A Junior
High School.
The study aimed at finding out the effects of poor sanitation on the academic work of
pupils in Kumbungu D/A Junior High School, which serves as the population of the study. An
action research was used and respondents were sampled using purposive method. Data was
Key Findings
Secondly, Teacher’s and learner’s were unconcerned about the health of themselves
which sometimes leads to absenteeism and sickness among both teachers’ and learners’ in the
In addition, Learners’ were unwilling to practice sanitation because they thought it was a
form of punishment.
Conclusions
The conclusion made from the study included: ignorance and lack of encouragement
from teachers resulted in the poor sanitation in the school, learners’ were only compelled to
practice sanitation of which the learners’ thought it was form of punishment to them. Also, the
learners’ were not focused on health hazard of sanitation to their studies because sanitation was
of no concern to them which causes a lot of illness hence preventing learners from going to
school regularly and posing negative effect on the academic performance of Kumbungu D/A
Recommendations
Throughout the study conducted, the researcher realized that, there is the need for more
improvement in carrying out activities of sanitation in the schools and even beyond hence the
following recommendations are made based on the research findings and observation:
Stakeholders should implement sanitation projects in all basic schools across the country
Stakeholders in collaboration with basic schools’ management should provide waste bins
and tools for basic schools across the country. Schools and teachers who do their best in good
Further studies should be carried out on the effects of poor sanitation on the academic
performance at all levels of education to help prevent the havoc sanitation has on the academic
performance of learners across all level of education in Ghana, Africa and the World at large.
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APPENDIX A
Kumbungu D/A Junior High School. You are however ensured of confideciality.
Name of Headteacher:
1.What measures are currently in place to ensure proper sanitation within the school premises?
2.Are there designated personnel responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the
3.How frequently are the school toilets and washrooms cleaned and sanitized?
4.Are there any specific guidelines or protocols followed for waste disposal within the school?
5.What steps have been taken to promote hand hygiene among students and staff?
6.Are there adequate facilities for hand washing, such as hand washing stations or hand
7.Are the toilet facilities easily accessible to all students, including those with disabilities?
8.How do you ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water for students and staff?
9.Are there any initiatives or programs in place to educate students about proper sanitation
10.Have you encountered any challenges or issues regarding sanitation within the school? If yes,
11.Are there any plans for future improvements or upgrades in terms of sanitation facilities
12.Are there any specific policies or regulations enforced to maintain sanitation standards within
the school?
13.How do you involve the school community, including parents and students, in promoting and
15.How do you monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of sanitation practices within the school?
APPENDIX B
Kumbungu D/A Junior High School’’. You are however assured of complete confidentiality.
1.How would you rate the overall sanitation facilities in your school?
Excellent [ ]
Good [ ]
Fair [ ]
Poor [ ]
Very poor [ ]
2.Are there sufficient and clean toilet facilities available for both students and teachers?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
If no, please specify the issues you have observed regarding the toilet facilities.
3.How often are the toilets cleaned and maintained in your school?
Daily [ ]
Weekly [ ]
Monthly [ ]
Irregularly [ ]
Not sure [ ]
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
If no, please provide reasons for the lack of hand washing stations.
5.Are the hand washing stations regularly supplied with soap and water?
Always [ ]
Sometimes [ ]
Rarely [ ]
Never [ ]
6.Have you noticed any instances of improper waste management in your school?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
If yes, please describe the specific waste management issues you have observed.
7.Are there any unpleasant odors or unhygienic conditions present in or around the school
premises?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
If yes, please specify the areas or situations where you have noticed such conditions.
8.How do you think poor sanitation affects the overall health and well-being of students and
9.Have you received any training or information on promoting proper sanitation practices in your
school?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
If yes, please describe the type of training or information you have received.
10.What suggestions or improvements would you propose to enhance sanitation facilities in your
school?
APPENDIX C
Gender…………
Date………………………………. Basic…………