STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF HOUSEHOLD ACCESS TO WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH) IN NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services remains a critical public health and development challenge in North-East Nigeria, where socioeconomic vulnerability and infrastructural deficits persist. This study investigates the determinants of household access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services using cross-sectional household data. A sample of 384 households was analyzed using logistic regression models to estimate the effects of socioeconomic, demographic, and spatial factors on WASH outcomes. The results reveal that household income and educational attainment of the household head significantly increase the likelihood of access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Female-headed households and urban residents exhibit higher odds of accessing improved sanitation and hygiene facilities compared to their male-headed and rural counterparts. Conversely, larger household size, longer time spent fetching water, and older age of the household head significantly reduce the probability of accessing improved WASH services across all models. The models demonstrate strong overall fit, with likelihood ratio chi-square tests significant at the 1% level. The findings highlight persistent inequalities in WASH access driven by economic capacity, education, gender, and rural–urban disparities. The study underscores the need for integrated and targeted WASH interventions that prioritize rural communities, low-income households, and large families, while promoting education, gender-responsive programming, and improved infrastructure. Addressing these determinants is essential for achieving equitable access to WASH services and advancing progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 in North-East Nigeria.