The Determinants Of Adherence To Environmental Sanitation Among Food Vendors At Kpando Municipal, Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Environmental sanitation is a set of procedures aimed at improving and controlling the quality of the environment and its elements to protect the public's health and welfare, hence lowering disease rates. As the adage goes, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. Poor environmental sanitation has been a perennial problem that has confronted the government since Ghana’s Independence. Aim of The Study: The study examined the determinants of adherence to environmental sanitation among food vendors at Kpando Municipal. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design, with opened and closed ended questionnaires being distributed. Using Yamane's approach, a total of 135 food vendors were proportionally selected from the suburbs within the Kpando municipal for this study. The data collected from the respondent were processed and analyzed using STATA 16 and Microsoft Excel. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) as well as inferential statistics chi-squares are and principal component analysis). Results: Most of the food vendors were stationed at a particular vending site within the Municipal. The chi-square value of (χ2= 1.9; p=0.023) indicated that food sellers awareness on environmental sanitation was only influenced by their educational background. Regarding the hygienic practices of food vendors, 63% rarely provided disposable tissues or hand towels to customers and hence opt for the use of shared or reusable napkins. They were adamant with the covering of their hair whiles selling and as such they were doubtful of the importance of such standard hygienic measures. The KMO value of 0.715 and the Bartlett’s test 𝑝 value of 0.000 highlighted seven (7) determinants of adherence to environmental sanitation among food vendors. Conclusion: Food vendors’ level of knowledge on environmental sanitation was high, and this was mainly influenced by their educational background. Despite their high knowledge level on environmental sanitation practices, food vendors' adherence to these practices was low. Most of the propelling factors influencing the adherence to environmental sanitation practices among food vendors at the Kpando Municipal emphasized on personal hygienic practices expected from individuals in the quest to achieve a healthy environment and functions of local institutions in achieving good environmental sanitation. Recommendations: Food vendors should be properly educated on the essence of observing hygienic practices. Local assemblies should continuously tighten alliances among the various units tasked to regulate the street food sector to promote effective street monitoring and regulation.