OPEN DEFECATION PRACTICES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WAMAKKO LGA RESIDENTS OF SOKOTO STATE

Abstract

Introduction: The study was carried out to assess practice and factors associated with open
defecation among residents of Kalambaina area in Wamakko local government area of Sokoto
State. The study was descriptive, and cross-sectional.
Aim: The study was carried out in Kalambaina area in Wamakko LGA from 1st of March to 30th
of April 2023.
Method: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to generate useful information that addressed
variables of the subject matter. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 10.0.2 (232). The
association between the dependent and independent variables was measured using p < 0.05 to
determine statistical significance.
Results: A total of 142 participants took part in the study. The age group 35 – 39 years had the
highest respondents (28.9%). Hausa tribe accounted for 101 (71.1%), while Igbo accounted for 4
(2.8%). Secondary school certificate holders were 68 (47.9%), and tertiary education accounted
for 14 (9.9%). At 95% Confidence Interval (CI), the level of education was statistically significant
to the practice of open defecation. All respondents knew that open defecation is practiced, with
23.2% practicing open defecation. The relationship between awareness and practice of open
defecation shows [p < 0.0001; OR = 6.078; CI = 3.557 to 10.20]. On health implications, a very
high percentage of the respondents (80.3%) accept that open defecation is a threat to public health
with 79.6% accepting that open defecation harms our overall sanitation. The awareness of open
defecation with health implications of open defecation shows [p > 0.9999; OR = 0.9609; CI =
0.5449 to 1.689]. With OR of 0.9609, the likelihood of knowing health implications of open
defecation is insignificant with the level of awareness of open defecation.

Conclusion: Open defecation is practiced in the study area, and respondents are aware of its threat
and health implications. The need to have an environment open defecation-free can never be
overemphasized.