ABSTRACT

The study focused on the strategies for improving hygienic conditions of hostels in universities in Abia State using student’s hostels in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State University and Rhema University hostel. Six research question were formulated. Population of the study consisted of Male and Female students living in the hostels. Data were collected with questionnaire. Mean was used to analyze the data collected. The findings revealed the various hygienic facilities available to students’ residing in the hostel, personal cleanliness adopted by students, environmental cleanliness, and number of cleaning staff employed to clean the hostel. The study further revealed the hygienic problems faced by students were identified such as improper waste disposal, inadequate drainage systems, lack of water facilities, pests and rodents’ infestation, air pollution etc. Finally, practicable strategies for improving the hygienic condition of hostels in universities in Abia State to include provision of adequate facilities by management, good personal and environmental hygiene by students, organizing workshops and seminar concerning environmental hygiene by schools, provision of adequate sanitary facilities by management, employment of more cleaning staffs, provision of adequate refuse disposal units and adequate water facilities by the school management.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification Page ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents v

List of Figures vii

List of Tables viii

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background of the Study 1

1.2 Statement of Problem 4

1.3 Significance of the Study 6

1.4 Specific Objectives 8

1.5 Research Questions 9

1.6 Scope of the Study 9

1.7 Definition of Operational Terms 9

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW 10

2.1 Conceptual Framework 10

2.2 Theoretical Framework 11

2.2.1 Germ theory 11

2.2.2 Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory 12

2.2.3 Public health 14

2.2.4 Miasma theory 15

2.3 Review of Related Empirical Literature 16

2.3.1 Environmental sanitation 16

2.3.2 Importance of environmental sanitation 17

2.3.3 Disease and environmental sanitation 18

2.3.4 Foodborne illness 18

2.3.5 Personal hygiene 21

2.3.6 Environmental hygiene of university hostels 27

2.4       Theoretical Framework/Orientation 30

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 32

3.1 Design of the Study 32

3.2 Area of the Study 33

3.3 Population for the Study 33

3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique 33

3.4.1 Sample Size 33

3.4.2 Sample Technique 33

3.5 Instrument for Data Collection 34

3.6 Validation of Instrument 35

3.7 Reliability of Instrument 35

3.8 Data Analysis Technique 35

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS 36

4.1 Introduction 36

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 51

5.1 Summary 51

5.2 Conclusion 52

5.3 Recommendations 52

REFERENCES