ENHANCING WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE STANDARDS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Authors

  • Nasiru Lawal
  • Dadan-Garba Aliyu
  • Matthew Ibrahim Habila
  • Abubakar Shehu Aliyu
  • Barki Khotimatul

Keywords:

WASH, School Health, Gender Inclusiveness, Behavior Change, Developing Countries

Abstract

This systematic review analyzed 50 peer-reviewed studies (2020–2025) to evaluate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) conditions in public secondary schools across developing countries. Guided by PRISMA standards, the review examined infrastructure adequacy, behavioral practices, gender inclusiveness, and health impacts. Findings reveal persistent infrastructural deficits, poor maintenance, limited hygiene education, and inadequate menstrual and disability-inclusive facilities, all contributing to illness, absenteeism, and gender inequity. Behavioral gaps remain widespread, reflecting weak institutional oversight and unsustained hygiene promotion. A conceptual framework was developed to integrate infrastructure provision, behavior change, inclusiveness, and policy enforcement, emphasizing multi-sectoral collaboration and long-term sustainability. The framework provides a strategic model for strengthening WASH interventions in resource-constrained educational environments. Overall, the review reinforces WASH's essential role in health, equity, and learning, directly supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Dimensions

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Conceptual Framework for WINS

Published

25-11-2025

How to Cite

Lawal , N., Aliyu, D.-G., Habila, M. I., Aliyu, A. S., & Khotimatul, B. (2025). ENHANCING WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE STANDARDS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK. FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(12), 184-193. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0912-4254

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 12 (2025): FUDMA Journal of Sciences - Vol. 9 No. 12

Section

Review Articles
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2025 Nasiru Lawal , Dadan-Garba Aliyu, Matthew Ibrahim Habila, Abubakar Shehu Aliyu, Barki Khotimatul

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Lawal , N., Aliyu, D.-G., Habila, M. I., Aliyu, A. S., & Khotimatul, B. (2025). ENHANCING WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE STANDARDS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK. FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(12), 184-193. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0912-4254

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