Challenges and Solutions on Sanitation and Hygiene Practices to Improve Mental Health States in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State

Abstract

This study was conducted to study challenges and solutions in sanitation and hygiene practices to improve mental health states, community perceptions, and their implications among residents of Yenagoa LGA. A descriptive cross-sectional survey that involved 425 residents selected through multistage sampling was conducted using a structured questionnaire that covered sanitation practices, hygiene behaviours, challenges, mental health states, and community perceptions. Collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine gender differences in sanitation practices and the relationship between sanitation conditions and mental health states. Most respondents were female (57.9%) and aged 25–45 years (64.9%). Sanitation and hygiene practices were suboptimal: 12.2% practiced open defecation, only 40.5% had functional handwashing facilities, and 22.6% lacked consistent access to safe water. Major challenges included irregular water supply (72.0% severe/very severe) and poor sanitation infrastructure (72.9%). Awareness of sanitation-related diseases was high, with over 90% acknowledging health and emotional impacts. Gender did not significantly influence sanitation practices (χ² = 0.264, p = 0.607). Nevertheless, sanitation conditions were significantly associated with mental health (χ² = 63.29, p < 0.001), with poor sanitation linked to anxiety, stress, irritability, sleep disruption, and depressive symptoms. Sanitation and hygiene practices in Yenagoa LGA remain inadequate and significantly impact mental well-being. Enhancing sanitation infrastructure, improving water supply, encouraging community engagement, and integrating mental health considerations into WASH interventions are necessary for improving overall health states.