Bridging Hygiene Gaps: The Contribution of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Facilities to Maternal Hygiene Practices During Complementary Feeding in Ethiopia
1
Global Health, Stellenbosch University, CAPE TOWN, South Africa
2
Environmental Health, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
3
Nursing, Arsi University, Asalla, Ethiopia
4
Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Complementary feeding is critical for child development, with maternal hygiene playing a key role in preventing infections. In Ethiopia, limited water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities compromise food safety, increasing the risk of undernutrition and diarrhea from microbial contamination. Strengthening awareness among mothers and caregivers is essential, and this review examines how WASH facilities contribute to maternal hygiene practices during complementary feeding.
METHODS:
Relevant studies were identified through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, JBI, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and reference lists. Keywords related to WASH, maternal hygiene, and complementary feeding in Ethiopia were applied, considering population, concepts, and context. Eligible studies were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were charted and synthesized to illustrate evidence on the contribution of WASH facilities to maternal hygiene practices during complementary feeding.
RESULTS:
A systematic review found 12 studies linking WASH facilities with maternal hygiene practices in Ethiopia. Good hygiene practices among mothers during complementary feeding varied considerably, ranging from 22.2% to 62.0%. Most participants relied on piped or protected water sources as their primary drinking supply. Latrine access ranged widely, from 2.4% to 96.4%. Availability of handwashing stations also varied, from 1.4% to 64%. Meta-analysis revealed that mothers with access to piped or protected water were significantly more likely to practice good hygiene during complementary feeding (POR = 3.41; 95% CI: 1.50–7.78). Similarly, latrine presence (POR = 1.70; 95% CI: 0.79–3.66) and handwashing facilities (POR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.03–4.69) were associated with improved hygiene practices.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite variations in WASH facility presence across studies, nearly all findings revealed that accessibility significantly improves maternal hygiene practices during complementary feeding. To enhance these benefits, ensuring safe water, handwashing facilities, and integrated sanitation with hygiene education is essential.
Complementary feeding is critical for child development, with maternal hygiene playing a key role in preventing infections. In Ethiopia, limited water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities compromise food safety, increasing the risk of undernutrition and diarrhea from microbial contamination. Strengthening awareness among mothers and caregivers is essential, and this review examines how WASH facilities contribute to maternal hygiene practices during complementary feeding.
METHODS:
Relevant studies were identified through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, JBI, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and reference lists. Keywords related to WASH, maternal hygiene, and complementary feeding in Ethiopia were applied, considering population, concepts, and context. Eligible studies were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were charted and synthesized to illustrate evidence on the contribution of WASH facilities to maternal hygiene practices during complementary feeding.
RESULTS:
A systematic review found 12 studies linking WASH facilities with maternal hygiene practices in Ethiopia. Good hygiene practices among mothers during complementary feeding varied considerably, ranging from 22.2% to 62.0%. Most participants relied on piped or protected water sources as their primary drinking supply. Latrine access ranged widely, from 2.4% to 96.4%. Availability of handwashing stations also varied, from 1.4% to 64%. Meta-analysis revealed that mothers with access to piped or protected water were significantly more likely to practice good hygiene during complementary feeding (POR = 3.41; 95% CI: 1.50–7.78). Similarly, latrine presence (POR = 1.70; 95% CI: 0.79–3.66) and handwashing facilities (POR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.03–4.69) were associated with improved hygiene practices.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite variations in WASH facility presence across studies, nearly all findings revealed that accessibility significantly improves maternal hygiene practices during complementary feeding. To enhance these benefits, ensuring safe water, handwashing facilities, and integrated sanitation with hygiene education is essential.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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