Assessment of Water and Sanitation Facilities in Government Schools of Bhopal - A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: It is essential that everyone have access to clean drinking water and sanitary facilities and a human right. Inadequate water and sanitation can lead to a number of health problems including stunted growth, diarrhoeal illness and even death among children. Water and sanitation related disease remain one of the most significant child health problems worldwide Many schools in developing and developed countries lack adequate water and sanitation services with associated potential detrimental effects on health and school attendance. This study was carried out to assess the water and sanitation facilities in government schools of Bhopal after the launch of Swacch Bharat, Swacch Vidyalaya mission. Material and Methods: This study was a School based Observational Study carried out over a period of 6 months in 196 Government Schools of Bhopal. A complete list of all Government schools of Bhopal was obtained and 196 schools were selected randomly. Information was collected about school strength, availability and type of toilet facilities, availability of drinking water, designated hand washing space, presence of soap and water, availability of dustbins, Menstrual Hygiene Management facilities etc. Thus, information was gathered and examined. The statistical techniques of proportion and percentage were applied. Results: Out of 196 school surveyed, 78 (39.85%) were primary school, 86(43.9%) were middle school and 32(16.3%) were high/higher secondary schools. Enrolment level in a single school ranges from 31 to 1600 with an average of 241 students. The majority of school surveyed (90.82%) indicate that they have toilet facilities available. Separate toilet for girls was present in 82.80%of schools. Student toilet ratio deviated from the recommended ratio of 40:1 in more than 50% of the schools, 101 schools for girl’s toilet & 88 schools for boy’s toilet. The student toilet ratio ranges from 11:1 to 350:1 for boys &13:1 to 375:1 for girls. 73.78% of the toilets were found to be dirty. In 79.08% schools, hand washing practice was observed whereas in 20.9% schools, hand washing was not done. Designated place for hand washing was observed in 77.6% schools. The most common place for hand washing were near the toilets reported by 41% schools that have hand washing facilities followed by near the classroom (25.3%). Only 60.2% school had soap available at handwashing facility. 70% schools had adequate water inside the toilet for washing and flushing of toilet while 30% don’t have. 63.64% schools had disposal facilities for soiled sanitary materials. 70.9% have doors and door locks for safety and privacy purpose. Conclusion: Considering the fact that the present study was conducted in a capital city where schools have a better condition compared to rural set up. A good number of schools in this urban area were found to be falling short of several essential requirements regarding sanitation facilities which needs to be rectified. Thus, it is necessary to provide a healthy school atmosphere for the students in order to harness their potential as the most effective community advocates for hygienic habits. Keywords: Bhopal, Government schools, Menstrual hygiene, Sanitation, Toilet facilities.