Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Personal Hygiene Among Internally Displaced Persons in Adamawa State

Internally displaced persons in North East Nigeria face compounded health vulnerabilities arising from conflict, inadequate shelter, and disrupted access to sanitation and health services. This study assessed knowledge and practice of personal hygiene among internally displaced persons in selected camps in Adamawa State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 260 adult residents of displacement camps in Yola North and Michika local government areas. Structured questionnaires and observational checklists were administered with support from trained field assistants. Results showed that knowledge of basic personal hygiene practices including handwashing, oral hygiene, and food handling was low among a majority of respondents, with 58 percent scoring below 50 percent on the knowledge scale. Practice was further limited by unavailability of soap, poor camp water supply, and overcrowding. Women with prior formal education and those who had attended health education sessions in camp demonstrated significantly higher hygiene knowledge scores. The study highlighted the need for targeted, contextually relevant health education for displaced populations and recommended integration of hygiene promotion into camp management protocols. Humanitarian agencies and the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency should collaborate to deliver structured hygiene education in displacement camps. Keywords: personal hygiene, internally displaced persons, health education, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria