WASH practices increased the prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children (6–59 months) in an urban slum area in Ibadan, Nigeria

Access to safe water, proper sanitation, and hygienic practices are fundamental to the growth and survival of children. This study assessed the relationship between water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices and the nutritional status of children aged 6–59 months in the Beere/Oja-Oba community, Ibadan, Oyo State. This cross-sectional study involved 200 mothers/caregivers with under-five children. WASH practices were assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken and analyzed using WHO Anthro. Data were analyzed using SPSS at p < 0.05. The mean age of the children was 24.91±10.52, and the majority were females (77.5%). Prevalence of stunting (44.0%), wasting (37.5%), and underweight (34.0%) were high among the children. Well (71.5%) and tap/borehole (74.0%) were the major sources of domestic and drinking water respectively, and required 5–15 min (36.9%) to source. The occurrence of diarrhea was high (48.5%) among the children. Time to drinking water source and washing a child's hands before feeding were WASH practices significantly associated with stunting (p = 0.000) and underweight (p = 0.003) among the children from lower socio-economic households (p = 0.045). Access to unsafe water was significantly associated with child malnutrition. There is a need to educate and encourage mothers/caregivers to improve their hygiene practices in the community.