Household latrine utilization and associated factors in semi-urban areas of northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Latrine utilization is the actual behavior in a practice of regularly using existing latrines for safe disposal of excreta. Latrine utilization is a common problem in semi-urban areas of developing countries, including Ethiopia. Since the status of latrine utilization and associated factors among semi-urban areas of northeastern Ethiopia, including Alansha in South Wollo Zone is unknown, local data is needed in order to assess the need for planning of intervention programs for the improvement of latrine utilization to support consistent and sustained latrine utilization. This study is designed to address this knowledge gap. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March, 2019 among 401 systematically selected households. Data were collected by trained workers using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews and on-the-spot observations of the latrines. A systematic random sampling method was used to select participant households. Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for data cleaning and analysis. The wealth index status of participants was estimated using principal component analysis. Data were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model at 95% confidence interval (CI). From the multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables with p-value < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant and independently associated with latrine utilization. Model fitness was checked using Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Result We found that the prevalence of latrine utilization among households was 71.8% (95% CI [67.5–76.1%]) while 28.2% (95% CI [23.9–32.5%]) did not utilize latrines. About one-fifth (21.7%) of participant households were found to have a pit latrine with slab and 78.3% (311) used pit latrines without slab. The hygienic condition of the majority (82.9%) of the latrines was dirty and only 17.1% clean. Household family size from one to three persons (AOR: 3.99, 95% CI [1.20–6.24]), presence of primary or secondary school student in a house (AOR: 2.33, 95% CI [1.42–3.83]), number of years since latrine was constructed (≥ 2 years) (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI [1.12–2.95]) and a frequency of daily cleaning of the latrine (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI [1.12–4.28]) were factors significantly associated with latrine utilization. Conclusion Seven out of ten households utilized a latrine. Factors significantly associated with latrine utilization were household family size from one to three persons, presence of primary or secondary school student in the house, time since household latrine had been constructed of two or more years and daily frequency of latrine cleaning. Therefore, it is recommended that measures to promote behavioral change towards further improvement in sustainable and consistent latrine utilization should be carried out based on the evidence of the determinant factors found in this study.

Having a latrine facility is not a guarantee for eliminating open defecation owing to socio-demographic and environmental factors: The case of Machakel district in Ethiopia

“…We confirmed that having more family members in the household was the risk factor for open defecation. Our finding agreed with earlier studies conducted in Ethiopia [ 25 ] and Ghana [ 26 ]. Households that have more members could be forced to go out for defecation due to overcrowding particularly during morning hours [ 16 ].…”

“…In this study, household heads with unclean latrines were more likely to practice open defecation compared to those that had clean latrines or clean more frequently. Previous studies reported in Ethiopia [ 15 , 25 ] agreed with our finding. Latrines contaminated with excreta and other filthy matters discourage users to utilize the toilet [ 14 ].…”

Latrine Utilization and Its Associated Factors Among Community Led Total Sanitation Implemented and Non-Implemented Kebeles of Tullo District, West Hararge, Eastern Ethiopia

“…In this study, total latrine utilization was 56.1%. This study was consistent with a study conducted in North Ethiopia (54.9%), 3 but it was lower when compared to studies conducted in Kutaber District of the South Wollo Zone in northeastern Ethiopia (71.8%) 18 and Chencha District, GamoGofa, Ethiopia (67%). 19 This difference might be due to the difference in the implementation of the health extension package and the implementation time of CLTS approach in the study population.…”

Ownership of latrine in the household in Indonesia: a review

“…It was not very different with the result from previous review study in Indonesia which revealed that the level of education, level of knowledge, and attitude are the variables that are most associated to ownership of latrine in Indonesia [49]. Then, another study in Ethiopia showed the demographic factors were significantly associated with availability of the toilet in the households [50]. Based on a study in Thailand, it shows that to overcome the latrine problem in the country it is necessary to make several important points such as a strong policy for latrine construction, integration of latrine development into health development, the right approach and strategy, adequate health facilities, and the will of the community [51].…”