Pattern and Distribution of Open Defecation Practices in Kano State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Nearly one (1) billion people still practice open defecation globally, and a further 1.4 billion use unimproved toilet facilities. Up to one hundreds and five (105) million Nigerians still do not have access to safe and improve toilets facilities; and out of this figure, nearly forty (40) million practices open defecation in Nigeria. The overall aim of the study was to determine the pattern of distribution Open Defecation (OD) practice in Kano State, Nigeria. The study was conducted using a mixed design by combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. A total of 423 head of households participated in the quantitative study within six (6) LGAs in Kano State and Twelve (12) communities were observed for evidences of OD practices. Findings from the study revealed that 30% of the respondents were within 26-35 years and are mostly (79.9%) males with 37.2% of them having a family size of 6-10 persons. The findings showed that 95.7% had toilet facility at home but 47.0% currently reported practice of open defecation. The results of observation showed that more than half of the 12 communities observed lacked public toilets and 8 out of 12 communities observed were categorized to be of moderate and high level of open defecation practice. The study concluded that there was high level of open defecation in the State with close to 50% of the respondents practicing open defecation. It was therefore, recommended that public health nurses, Kano State Government, community leaders and community members have an important role such as mass campaign, review of all outdated policies on OD.