Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Practices and the Community Transmission of Microbial Infections in Nigeria: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Ntung; Yensen Florence

doi:10.56201/ijhpr.vol.11.no3.2026.pg110.123

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Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Practices and the Community Transmission of Microbial Infections in Nigeria: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Ntung, Yensen Florence

Abstract

Background Nigeria continues to experience recurrent outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, and other diarrhoeal diseases, challenges that are closely linked with inadequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene conditions, including unsafe water sources, open defecation, and poor hygiene practices. National surveillance data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control report significant case numbers and deaths associated with cholera, particularly during the rainy season when environmental contamination and flood risks increase. Objective To synthesise qualitative evidence on how community-level WASH practices influence the transmission of microbial infections in Nigerian communities. Methods A scoping review of published studies from 2020–2025 was conducted. Six Nigerian studies that examined community WASH practices and their link to microbial transmission were included. Thematic synthesis and narrative analysis were used to identify overarching patterns and behavioural drivers of infection risk. Results Analysis of the six studies revealed several interconnected themes. Unsafe sanitation practices, including open defecation and poorly maintained latrines, contributed to extensive environmental contamination. Many households relied on untreated borehole or surface water, often stored unsafely, increasing exposure to waterborne pathogens. Seasonal flooding was repeatedly identified as a factor that mobilises contamination and exacerbates the spread of diarrhoeal diseases. Informal settlement conditions such as overcrowding and limited infrastructure further heightened transmission risks. Finally, local perceptions and behavioural norms shaped how communities approached hygiene practices, influencing the adoption of preventive measures. Conclusion Qualitative evidence supports the view that community-level WASH behaviours are central to microbial transmission dynamics in Nigeria, and addressing these practices through integrated public health strategies is critical for reducing the burden of diarrhoeal diseases.

References

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Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Practices and the Community Transmission of Microbial Infections in Nigeria: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Abstract

References

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