Physical and Social Demographic Factors Affecting Utilization of Pit Latrine in Tigania East, Meru County, Kenya

Introduction: Globally, poor sanitation is the cause of childhood diseases. Annually, more than 19,500 people die from diarrhea of which 17,100 are children. Diarrhea, which accounts for 16% of deaths among the children below 5 years, is highly linked to open defecation (OD). Poor excreta disposal remains a major challenge to improved sanitation and hygiene in many communities of Kenya and therefore they continue to practice open defecation. Construction and utilization of a latrine at home is a protective factor for communicable diseases. About 52% of the population practice proper utilization of latrine in low-income countries. Improper utilization of latrines leads to the contamination of the water sources. Availability of a pit latrine does not guarantee utilization because other factors like functionality and distance influence its use. Furthermore, the availability and use of the latrine depends on maintenance practices of the latrines and cleanliness as well as the quality of housing and household compound.

Aims: To analyze the physical and social demographic factors influencing the utilization of pit latrines in Tigania East Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya.

Study Design: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Tigania East Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya shown in Fig. 3. Household survey was carried out between June 2018 and December 2019.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 369 respondents selected by systematic random sampling from different households across the sub-county was utilized. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire administered in English and a spot observation checklist. All data generated was entered, validated and analyzed using SPSS using SPSS Software Version 23. Descriptive analysis was done during the calculation of measures of central tendency and proportions. Regression analysis was used in the determination of any association between the socio-demographic factors and the utilization of latrines.

Results: Ownership, location and functionality of the pit latrine were positively associated with utilization (OR=2.127, OR=1.53, OR=4.36, P=.00). Households that owned pit latrines were 2 times likely to utilize the pit latrines than those without a pit latrine. Moreover, household size, gender, and employment were positively related to utilization (R=0.502, P=.00). High construction costs challenges were 7 times linked to open defecation practices. Households with less than 6 members were 2.35 times more likely to utilize the pit latrine compared to those with 7-12 members (OR=2.35, X²=13.573, P=.00).

Conclusion: Interventions should target households with more than 7 members. A call for partnerships between government and donors to improve household income, water sources, and sanitation practices in Tigania East Sub-County is necessary. A call for funding projects related to pour-flush pit latrines and wet technologies to enhance utilization.