Analysis of hygienic and sanitary conditions in the primary schools of Kisangani in The Democratic Republic of Congo

ITOMALI, Rosie BAITWANYELE and LIKUNDA, Michel LOMALISA and LOKONDO, Dada SIMUKE and EKANGA, Jeanne LIMBAYA and ISOWANGO, Vicky MONDENGE and NGOLO, Zoé OLENGA and RAMAZANI, Raymond ASSANI (2025) Analysis of hygienic and sanitary conditions in the primary schools of Kisangani in The Democratic Republic of Congo. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 27 (1). pp. 141-152. ISSN 2581-9615

Introduction: The health and well-being of children are fundamental elements of education, because the cleanliness of the child is no less necessary than that of the school. Indeed, active health promotion has become a priority for schools. Specifically, the study aims to analyze the hygienic and sanitary conditions in primary schools in the city of Kisangani; and to identify their repercussions on the health of pupils. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional aim, based on direct observation and interview. Forty-seven schools were targeted, for which we randomly selected 10 schools that made up our sample (5 Accredited private school, 3 Approved schools and 2 Official schools) distributed in the different districts of the commune of Kabondo. Results: It emerged that 55.0% of respondents maintain that school toilets are dirty; Using ordinary toilets (53.3%), trash can (41.3%), paper (24.7%) and brush (22.3%) are the equipment used in school toilets. Due to a lack of equipment, 38.3% never wash their hands after washing. Classrooms are cleaned three times a week (45.0%). Poor hygiene in school sanitation facilities is one of many predictors for the emergence of communicable diseases. Conclusion: Schools that do not have sanitation facilities, or those whose facilities are poorly maintained or used, become risk environments conducive to disease transmission. There is a need for a better hygiene and sanitation policy in schools in order to safeguard the health of schoolchildren.