Assessing community health workers’ level of knowledge concerning their roles in water, hygiene, and sanitation in Comè-Bopa-Grand Popo-Houéyogbé, Benin (2024)

TL;DR

This study found that most community health workers in Benin lack sufficient knowledge about water, hygiene, and sanitation, and suggests better training and support could help.

Contribution

The study identifies specific factors associated with improved knowledge among community health workers in WASH-related roles in Benin.

Findings

68.8% of CHWs had insufficient knowledge of their WASH roles.

Training, supervision, and group sessions significantly improved knowledge.

Ethnicity and marital status were also associated with knowledge levels.

Abstract

This study assessed the level of knowledge of community health workers (CHWs) regarding water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH) in the Comè-Bopa-Grand Popo-Houéyogbé health zone in Benin.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 160 CHWs selected randomly. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS 21.0. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with CHW knowledge.

Most CHWs (68.8%) had insufficient knowledge of their roles in WASH. Factors significantly associated with good knowledge included Mina ethnicity (OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.9), being married (OR = 10.0; 95% CI: 1.3–77.7), training on activity packages (OR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.7–10.0), supervision by a qualified agent (OR = 10.2; 95% CI: 2.5–40.6), and participation in group follow-up sessions (OR = 10.0; 95% CI: 5.0–48.9). Multivariate analysis showed that attending at least two group sessions greatly increased the likelihood of good knowledge (OR = 23.9; 95% CI: 5.3–107.7).

Strengthening CHW training, regular follow-up, and incentives is essential to improve WASH-related knowledge and public health impact.

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