[Impact of water quality and environmental sanitation on the health of schoolchildren in a suburban area of Benin: findings in the Savalou-Banté and Dassa-Glazoué sanitary districts].

OBJECTIVE

Promotion of environmental hygiene and sanitation in school districts contributes to community health. The purpose of the present study using physicochemical and biological parameters was to show the impact of these hygiene and sanitation measures on the health of schoolchildren in Collines Departement of Benin.

METHODS

This prospective study was carried out in three selected primary schools from 28 September to 30 December 2007. A group of 210 children (100 boys and 110 girls) was obtained by careful identification of schoolchildren who benefited from the program and simple random selection. Physicochemical and bacteriologic analysis of water distributed in schools, assessment of the clinical condition of schoolchildren and screening of their hands for pathogenic bacteria allowed us to evaluate the level of hygiene in schools. Existing sanitary equipment was evaluated by on-site visual inspection.

RESULTS

Hand screening identified the presence of pathogenic microorganisms on the hands of 74% of schoolchildren. Diarrhea was observed in 30% of pupils, osteomyelitis in 15% and tooth dystrophy in 25%. Water quality analysis showed fluorine and nitrate concentrations of 3.5 mg/L and 15 mg/L respectively and demonstrated contamination by fecal bacteria, especially during storage.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed a high level of pathogenic organisms on hands and confirmed their presence in water. Training teaching staff about educating and monitoring pupils regarding sanitary standards and protocols is needed to improve the level of competency and of compliance with hygiene measures.