Environmental Sanitation Practices of the Occupants of Dormitories in Vigan City

Abstract

This study determined the level of environmental sanitation of selected dormitories in Vigan City based on the sanitation practices of the occupants and potability of water. It also looked into the level of sanitation practices along food preparation and cooking practices, garbage disposal, toilet sanitation and water sanitation. Drinking water samples were collected from four different dormitories for analysis. The data were gathered through a questionnaire-checklist supplemented by a personal interview. The statistical tools used were frequency count, percentage, mean and simple linear correlation analysis. Most of the respondents are 15 years old and first year college students. Some have suffered from diarrhea. The results of the physico-chemical analyses showed that the water samples exceeded the water quality standards prescribed by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water. There is an inverse significant relationship between the level of sanitation practices of the respondents and socio-demographic factors along year level and age but there is no significant relationship between the level of sanitation practices and socio-demographic factors along course, sex and diseases. On the other hand, an inverse significant correlation also existed between sanitation practices and coliforms and Escherichia coli. To prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, decontamination is highly recommended because of the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the water.