DOES KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATE TO SAFE HYGIENE BEHAVIOUR IN PUBLIC PLACES? -THE CASE OF ENUGU URBAN IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined people’s hygiene attitude and practices in public places in Enugu metropolis. Individual’s hygiene behavior and practices may differ in public and private settings. Such behavior could also be moderated by the threat of epidemics such as Covid-19 or its absence. Using the stratified random sampling method, 384 respondents were selected from public places grouped into places of worship, business premises and markets, motor parks, and public offices. A 37 item questionnaire captured the demographic characteristics of respondents, sanitation attitude and behavior and predisposing factors. This was supplemented with personal interviews, as well as non participant observations. Data collected were summarized with the aid of frequency, percentages, tables and charts. Findings show that education per se was not a determinant in people’s sanitation behavior but rather the availability and state of the facilities. The study recommends hygiene behaviour moderation through facilities provision and maintenance.