PERCEIVED CONSEQUENCES OF OLD PIT TOILET SYSTEM ON HEALTH OF UNDERGRADUATES OF ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY AKUNGBA AKOKO, ONDO STATE

Abstract Access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities is a critical component of public health, particularly in educational institutions where high population density increases the risk of disease transmission. In Nigeria, the prevalence of inadequate sanitation facilities, particularly pit toilets, remains a significant public health concern. Pit toilets, which are commonly used in many Nigerian universities, including Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), are often poorly maintained and pose serious health risks to users. The knowledge of the consequences of pit latrines is critical in curbing the menace of the practice, promotion of healthful living and target interventions at improving the awareness of consequences associated with pit latrine. Hence, this study investigated the Perceived Consequences of Old pit toilet system on health of undergraduates of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, Ondo State. Two (2) research questions were raised and answered in this study, three (3) hypotheses were formulated and tested. The descriptive survey research design was used. The study population comprised all undergraduates of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. Undergraduates representing the sample for this study were selected using simple random sampling technique, disproportionate stratified sampling technique and voluntary sampling technique were adopted for the procedure. The instrument was a self-developed questionnaire validated by experts in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education and the researcher’s supervisor. The Cronbach’s Alpha reliability method was used and a reliability coefficient of 0.71 was obtained. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages and mean was used to answer the research questions while inferential statistics of t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test all hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. The findings of the study showed that: Level of knowledge of pit latrines consequences is high among undergraduate students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. Also, gender, religion and cultural background have no significant influence on the knowledge of pit latrines consequences among undergraduate students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that gender, religion and cultural background have significant influence on the knowledge of consequences of pit latrines. Also, undergraduate students have high knowledge of consequences of pit latrines. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended that: The integration of hygiene education programs into the general studies should be done and regular seminars should be organized to adequately equip the students with relevant information.