Abstract
Background: Enhancing essential services like proper sanitation and access to clean water demands dedicated state government professionals to ensure citizens' rights are fulfilled. Numerous young children under five perish from diseases caused by diarrhoea due to the government's failure to offer adequate hygiene and sanitation services.
Aim: This study examined the prevalence of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices for children under five years of age in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Methods: A quantitative, retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Secondary data was analysed from clinic folders of children under five admitted to Mqanduli Health Centre from January 2019 to December 2022. Data was coded, recorded and analysed using SPSS.
Results: For the study period, most children hospitalised for diarrhoea-related conditions were aged 13-24 months (41.2%), with a slight majority being female (53.1%). For nutritional status, 91.9% of children experienced weight loss, and 74.3% were breastfed. Most children were breastfed between 7-12 months (63.6%). Most primary caregivers were biological mothers (76.6%), predominantly aged 26-30 (45.6%). Additionally, 84.4% of mothers reported co-morbidities, and 80.7% had other children. Regarding healthcare, 99.6% of clinic records indicated prescribed medication, and 70% of children were up-to-date on vaccinations, with 83.3% receiving the rotavirus vaccine.
Social factors showed that 54.2% of mothers lived in informal housing, 82.3% received social grants, and 58.3% had no other income. Piped water was available outside the house for 56.7% of families. Sanitation included pit toilets (71.8%), flushing toilets (21.8%), and bucket toilets (6.3%). Nearly all mothers (99.6%) had electricity, and most children (90.5%) used liquid fuel. All of the children’s caregivers received health education.
Conclusion: The study in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, South Africa, focused on WASH practices for children under five admitted to Mqanduli Health Centre, Willow Clinic and Ngqwara Clinic between January 2019 and December 2022. The research identified factors contributing to their admissions, mainly diarrhoea, linked to malnutrition and poor water access. The study found gaps in knowledge despite a 100% health education record, particularly in vaccination and breastfeeding. Healthcare professionals must ensure children receive regular vaccinations to prevent diarrhoea, educate them on ORS, and promote breastfeeding through mass media. Improving environmental conditions is crucial for reducing child mortality and achieving SDGs. The government should address the issue of education and unemployment for mothers receiving social grants.