Environmental and Public Health Risk Factors Associated with Household Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Drinking Water Quality in Nigeria

Vollständiger Abstract

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Access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and appropriate hygiene services is essential for protecting public health, yet substantial inequalities in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions persist across Nigeria. This study assessed state-level environmental risk factors associated with household drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, and microbiological water quality in Nigeria using secondary data. A retrospective quantitative ecological analysis was conducted using harmonized data from nationally and internationally recognized WASH and public health sources for the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, giving 37 observations. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression. Mean coverage of basic drinking water, safely managed drinking water, basic sanitation, basic hygiene, and basic WASH services was 65.14%, 10.70%, 41.51%, 15.51%, and 8.65%, respectively, while open defecation averaged 27.22%. Mean Escherichia coli contamination was 71.19%. Safely managed drinking water showed a strong negative correlation with E. coli contamination (r = −0.843, p < 0.001), while basic sanitation was also negatively correlated with E. coli contamination (r = −0.614, p < 0.001). The regression model was statistically significant and explained 76.7% of the variation in E. coli contamination, with safely managed drinking water being the only significant independent predictor (β = −0.749, p < 0.001). The findings demonstrate substantial geographical inequalities in WASH conditions and indicate that basic water access does not necessarily ensure microbiologically safe drinking water. Strengthening safely managed drinking-water services, microbiological surveillance, sanitation, hygiene, and state-specific WASH interventions is essential for improving environmental and public health in Nigeria.