ASSESSMENT OF OPEN DEFECATION PRACTICES IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Open Defecation (OD) remains a major socio-economic, cultural and public health challenge in many developing countries, including Nigeria. The study examined the practice and spatial distribution of open defecation in rural and urban areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria, with a view to informing effective interventions to address this critical public health issue and to achieve ODF status in Kaduna State by 2030. A total of three hundred and ninety-two (392) respondents participated in the survey. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. Three (3) LGAs were selected from the Kaduna North Senatorial District. Data were acquired from both primary and secondary sources. GPS device was used to record the Geographic coordinates of OD sites, and photographs of existing sanitary facilities were collected using a digital phone camera. The findings revealed that 40% of respondent reported that OD is practiced very highly in their community. Also, respondents in the 18-29 age group defecate in open spaces. More than 80% of respondents across the LGAs attributed OD to lack of education and low monthly income, respectively. Major areas of OD on farmlands in rural areas constituted about 30% of the respondents. Urban areas revealed 40% along gutters and drainages. Only 20% of the respondents were aware of the health challenges related to OD. Hence, the study concluded that achieving ODF status in Kaduna State by 2030 is quite difficult. The study recommended the urgent provision of WASH materials in all the LGAs to combat open defecation in the State.