Explanatory Factors for Low Access to Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation in Schools in Kinshasa, DR Congo

Abstract

Background: Kinshasa’s urban and peri-urban areas have limited access to water, hygiene, and sanitation. SDG 6 calls for universal and equitable access to WASH by 2030. This situation predisposes pupils to the risk of infection and a drop in their educational performance.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2024 to Dec. 2024 in the educational provinces of Mont-Amba, Lukunga, and Tshangu, with 149 schools selected using 3-stage probability sampling. The data were analyzed using STATA V17.

Results: This study showed that 32% of the schools had a budget for WASH and a hygiene committee. Ninety percent implemented hygiene and sanitation promotion strategies and policies. Only 5.47% of the schools received WASH intervention. 54% of the schools had a water point, with 73% in urban areas and 23% in peri-urban areas (P =0.000). The study also showed that 96.88% of schools had latrines.

Conclusion: This study focused on identifying the factors that explain low access to WASH services. Only the status of schools and the lack of a budget explained the low access rate to WASH.