Background and study aim: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in schools is vital for students' health and educational outcomes. Access to safe WASH services is a fundamental human right emphasized by Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks universal access by 2030. This study assessed disparities in WASH infrastructure between rural and urban schools in the Iringa Region to improve conditions and support students' health and well-being.
Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in the Iringa, Kilolo, and Mufindi districts of Tanzania from July 4 to July 25, 2024. A total of 64 primary and secondary schools were selected through both purposive and random sampling techniques. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, which facilitated descriptive and comparative analyses to summarize and interpret the findings.
Results: This study revealed adequate availability of functional toilets (96.9%) and gender-separated toilets (95.3%). However, water filters or purification systems are only present in 23.4% of schools, and hand sanitizers are available in just 37.5%, showing gaps in hygiene resources. Overall, 64% of schools met adequate criteria, while a good number (87.5%) of urban schools had adequate infrastructure compared to rural schools (40.6%). A significant association was reported between school location and WASH adequacy (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study revealed significant disparities in WASH infrastructure between rural and urban schools in the Iringa Region. Schools from rural areas face more significant challenges. Tanzania should prioritize initiatives to improve WASH infrastructure in rural schools.