Personal and Environmental Hygiene Practices of Mothers in Selected Primary Health Centers in Ekiti State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction Maintaining personal and environmental hygiene is crucial for preventing infections, such as diarrhea, among children under five years of age. This study has assessed the personal and environmental hygiene practices of mothers attending primary health centers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to evaluate the hygiene practices of mothers attending baby wellness clinics. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and a checklist. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, presented in tables and charts. Results The findings revealed that 60.3% of respondents consistently washed their hands with soap and water before feeding their children, while 60.9% only occasionally washed their hands after using the toilet. The majority (78.8%) of breastfeeding mothers reported washing their brassieres weekly. In terms of environmental hygiene, 71.52% of respondents cleaned their surroundings daily, though 24.51% still disposed of their waste by the roadside. Overall, the hygiene level of mothers was low, with an average index value of 0.5428. Conclusion The study has found poor hand hygiene practices to be prevalent among the mothers surveyed. There is a need for increased health education and public awareness campaigns focusing on personal and environmental hygiene practices.