A review of the drivers and barriers influencing the impact of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene on attendance and retention of pupils in primary schools in developing countries.

Drivers and barriers influencing the impact of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) on attendance and retention of pupils in schools in developing countries were examined in this study. A Narrative review was adopted for this study which involved a Literature search of literature published between 2015 and 2025. The study identified Water Availability, Sanitation access, Hygiene Practices, Health improvements, Community involvement, Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Support, Policy and funding support, Behavior change and Socio-economic context as the drivers of the impact of WASH on attendance and retention of pupils in primary schools in developing countries. Also, Inadequate Infrastructure, Poor design of infrastructure, Poor Maintenance of facilities, Overcrowding, Lack of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Facilities, Cultural and Social Norms, Low awareness and Poor Hygiene Behavior, Financial Constraints, Weak Institutional and Policy Support, Environmental Challenges, Household Responsibilities and socio-economic factors and Poor monitoring and evaluation were identified as barriers of the impact of WASH on attendance and retention of pupils in primary schools in developing countries. The study recommends that the collaboration of governments, civil societies, private sectors, and research institutions is crucial as far as dealing with political, economic, and other underlying factors of WASH policies in primary schools in developing countries. This study will provide empirical data for researchers and policy makers towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 4.