Project – Knowledge and Practices of Personal Hygiene and Its Effect on Disease Prevention among Adults in Ikorodu and Agege Communities, Lagos

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Personal hygiene refers to the practices that individuals perform regularly to maintain cleanliness of the body and prevent infection and disease. These practices include handwashing, bathing, oral care, nail trimming, and other behaviors that reduce the presence and spread of harmful microorganisms on the body (Samphina Academy, 2019). Good personal hygiene is widely recognised as integral to disease prevention and health promotion, particularly in settings where communicable diseases are prevalent (Samphina Academy, 2019). Evidence from African settings shows that handwashing and body hygiene significantly reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, including diarrhoeal illnesses and skin infections (Akinsulie et al., 2024).

In Nigeria, despite efforts to promote health education, several studies indicate gaps in both knowledge and practice of personal hygiene in different population groups. For example, research among senior secondary school students in Ile‑Ife showed that while knowledge of hygiene was high, the translation of that knowledge into consistent hygienic practices varied across specific behaviors (Ilesanmi, 2013). Similarly, comparative studies in Lagos State have revealed significant disparities in personal hygiene practices between urban and rural residents, suggesting that sociodemographic factors influence hygiene behaviors (Adeniji et al., 2025).

In urban communities like Ikorodu and Agege in Lagos State, large populations reside in dense and often under‑serviced neighbourhoods where water supply, sanitation, and health education may be inconsistent. Although hygiene promotion programmes are implemented sporadically, such as training for environmental health officers to promote key hygiene behaviours, there is limited empirical evidence on adults’ knowledge and personal hygiene practices and how these relate to disease prevention in these communities (Radio Nigeria Lagos, 2026). Understanding the current levels of hygiene knowledge and practices among adults in Ikorodu and Agege is essential because adults play a pivotal role in household health behaviours and can influence family health outcomes through their hygiene practices.

The linkage between hygiene knowledge and practices and disease prevention has been documented globally, with greater awareness often associated with improved practice and subsequent lower risk of communicable illnesses (Akinsulie et al., 2024). However, knowledge alone does not always translate into action without supportive infrastructure like access to clean water, soap, and sanitation facilities (Adeniji et al., 2025). This study, therefore, focuses on adult residents of Ikorodu and Agege — two diverse and populous communities within Lagos — to assess their knowledge and hygiene practices and how these relate to disease prevention.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Communicable diseases remain a major public health challenge in Nigeria, and poor personal hygiene is a recognised contributor to disease transmission (Akinsulie et al., 2024). In Lagos State, the rapid pace of urbanisation, high population density, and intermittent access to clean water and sanitation services increase the risk of hygiene‑related infections in communities such as Ikorodu and Agege. Although local health reports and community programmes emphasise hygiene promotion, there are concerns that adult residents may lack adequate knowledge or fail to consistently practise essential hygiene behaviours, thereby increasing vulnerability to preventable diseases.

Studies within Lagos and other parts of Nigeria show that disparities in hygiene knowledge and practices exist across different populations and environmental contexts; however, there is limited localized research specifically focusing on adult populations in Ikorodu and Agege (Adeniji et al., 2025). Without empirical data on the levels of hygiene knowledge and practice in these urban communities, it is difficult for health planners and policymakers to identify gaps and target interventions effectively. This gap underscores the need to systematically examine adults’ personal hygiene awareness and behaviour and determine how these factors affect disease prevention outcomes.

1.3 Research Objectives

The main aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practices of personal hygiene and its effect on disease prevention among adults in Ikorodu and Agege communities of Lagos State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Determine the level of knowledge of personal hygiene among adults in Ikorodu and Agege.
2. Assess the personal hygiene practices of adults in these communities.
3. Examine the relationship between hygiene knowledge and preventive practices.
4. Evaluate the effect of personal hygiene practices on disease prevention among adults.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of personal hygiene knowledge among adults in Ikorodu and Agege?
2. What are the personal hygiene practices commonly practised by adults in these communities?
3. Is there a relationship between knowledge of personal hygiene and hygienic behaviour?
4. How do personal hygiene practices influence disease prevention among adult residents?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between the level of personal hygiene knowledge and the hygiene practices of adults in Ikorodu and Agege communities.
H₁: There is a significant relationship between the level of personal hygiene knowledge and the hygiene practices of adults in Ikorodu and Agege communities.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will provide evidence on the current status of personal hygiene knowledge and practices among adults in Ikorodu and Agege, which can inform public health strategies in Lagos State.

• Community health practitioners will be able to identify specific hygiene gaps and design targeted behaviour change communication.
• Policy makers and local authorities can use the findings to prioritise infrastructure improvements, such as reliable water supply and sanitation facilities, to support hygiene practices.
• Researchers and academics will benefit from localized data that contribute to the literature on urban hygiene behaviours and disease prevention in Nigerian contexts.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This research focuses on adult residents (18 years and above) in Ikorodu and Agege communities of Lagos State. It examines their knowledge, hygiene practices, and the effect of these practices on disease prevention, without extending to clinical diagnosis of diseases.

1.8 Definition of Terms

1. Personal Hygiene: The routine practices that individuals perform to maintain cleanliness and prevent illness, such as handwashing, bathing, and oral care (Samphina Academy, 2019).
2. Knowledge: The level of awareness and understanding of personal hygiene principles and their importance in preventing disease.
3. Practices: The actual hygiene behaviours carried out by individuals in daily life.
4. Disease Prevention: Actions taken to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, including hygiene behaviours that limit pathogen transmission.
5. Adult: A person aged 18 years or older living in the study communities.

Project – Knowledge and Practices of Personal Hygiene and Its Effect on Disease Prevention among Adults in Ikorodu and Agege Communities, Lagos