An observation of Environmental Health compliance at early childhood development centres in a local municipality, South Africa
1
Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2298
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) play a crucial role in the development of young children. Despite this, compliance with environmental health standards remains a significant challenge in South Africa. The study aimed to investigate environmental health compliance status of ECDs in Dikgatlong Local Municipality, South Africa.
METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design using quantitative method was employed. Purposive sampling was applied targeting the 24 ECDs within the municipality. Data was collected using an observation sheet adapted from the national norms and standards on Environmental Health. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 30.0, descriptive statistics were done.
RESULTS:
The study achieved 100% response rate, with only 23% of ECDs in possession of a health certificate and a Certificate of Acceptability for food handling. Most ECDs (96%) operated full-day services, with an average of 42 children enrolled and an operational history of 15 years. Yard cleanliness was inconsistent, with 50% of ECDs having clean yards and issues such as debris (50%) and environmental hazards (27%) noted. Indoor play area compliance varied with 59% having designated play, sleep, and eating areas, 77% meeting minimum space requirements, but only 27% had waterproof mattresses. Outdoor play areas were widely available, though 46% had environmental hazards. Sanitation facilities showed concerning results with only 46% having junior toilets and 6% having handwashing basins, with limited access to soap (18%) and hand-drying facilities (14%). Sick bays were present in 46% of ECDs, and 77% had first aid boxes, though contents like instruction books (55%) and scissors (59%) were missing. General hygiene practices were adequate, with 86% cleaning classrooms regularly.
CONCLUSIONS:
Some ECDs demonstrated effective adherence to environmental health standards, however key infrastructure and hygiene gaps were identified. The overall results indicated an urgent need for targeted improvements on sanitation, hand hygiene and overall health certification.
Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) play a crucial role in the development of young children. Despite this, compliance with environmental health standards remains a significant challenge in South Africa. The study aimed to investigate environmental health compliance status of ECDs in Dikgatlong Local Municipality, South Africa.
METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design using quantitative method was employed. Purposive sampling was applied targeting the 24 ECDs within the municipality. Data was collected using an observation sheet adapted from the national norms and standards on Environmental Health. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 30.0, descriptive statistics were done.
RESULTS:
The study achieved 100% response rate, with only 23% of ECDs in possession of a health certificate and a Certificate of Acceptability for food handling. Most ECDs (96%) operated full-day services, with an average of 42 children enrolled and an operational history of 15 years. Yard cleanliness was inconsistent, with 50% of ECDs having clean yards and issues such as debris (50%) and environmental hazards (27%) noted. Indoor play area compliance varied with 59% having designated play, sleep, and eating areas, 77% meeting minimum space requirements, but only 27% had waterproof mattresses. Outdoor play areas were widely available, though 46% had environmental hazards. Sanitation facilities showed concerning results with only 46% having junior toilets and 6% having handwashing basins, with limited access to soap (18%) and hand-drying facilities (14%). Sick bays were present in 46% of ECDs, and 77% had first aid boxes, though contents like instruction books (55%) and scissors (59%) were missing. General hygiene practices were adequate, with 86% cleaning classrooms regularly.
CONCLUSIONS:
Some ECDs demonstrated effective adherence to environmental health standards, however key infrastructure and hygiene gaps were identified. The overall results indicated an urgent need for targeted improvements on sanitation, hand hygiene and overall health certification.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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