Assessment of Facilities, Safety Conditions and Prevalence of Accidents In Selected Public High Schools In Ibadan, South West Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Poor classrooms, school facilities, and environments in public high schools create a highrisk environment for students. Objectives: This study assessed the safety conditions and prevalence of school-related accidents and injuries in selected public high schools in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among respondents in 36 selected high schools in Ibadan North Local Government Area. Data collection was done using 1. a pretested questionnaire for the survey among students, 2. Observational checklists for On-site Observation (OO) of school facilities and 3. Assessment of water quality (WQ). The questionnaire contains 10-point to assess respondents’ knowledge of safe conditions and accidents. Water quality was analysed using standard methods and compared with WHO standards. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05. Results: Respondent’s age was 14.7±2.0 years. Only 7.5% and 4.8% of the respondents have good knowledge and attitude on safe conditions and accidents, respectively; 38.7% reported overcrowding(40-59 per class). All school facilities are in poor sanitary conditions, and there w1as an absence of safety programmes in the schools. Most respondents (96.2%) have had school accidents, 25.5% used a basket with a cover as a waste storage container, and 68.8% used waste burning as a disposal method. Less than half, 42%, use pit latrines for excreta disposal. Only 39.4% had access to water. Heavy metals in water detected were below the WHO standards, while E coli was not detected. Conclusion: The high occurrence of school-related accidents among students could be attributed to deplorable conditions and poor safety practices and awareness. Therefore, there is a need to improve safety education and practices in public high schools.