Navigating water and sanitation environments in schools: Exploring health risk perceptions of children with physical disabilities using drawing

The UN Sustainable Development Goals prioritize healthy water and sanitation for everyone. This art-based study examined how children with physical disabilities navigate WASH environments in Ghanaian primary schools and their perceived health concerns. Poor WASH access can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, vulnerability to abuse, and psychosocial stress. Children received drawing prompts followed by interviews discussing their artwork. Thematic analysis revealed barriers including physically inaccessible facilities, poor maintenance, and limited peer support. Reported implications included inadequate water intake, diarrhea, and increased vulnerability. The study found disability type and severity influenced the extent of challenges. To advance SDGs, strategies must create safe, inclusive school environments addressing diverse learner needs.