Abstract:
Abstract
Background: The use of sanitation facilities is known to interrupt the transmission of fecaloral related disease. Health improvement comes from the proper use of sanitation facilities,
not simply their physical presence. Proper disposal of human excreta remains a public
challenge especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia including the study area. However,
despite having good latrine facility coverage, there is repeatedly occurrence of diarrheal
diseases.
Objective: To assess utilization of latrine and associated factors in the rural community of
Takussa District, central Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was used from March 20, to April
20, 2019. A total of 812 households were selected using systematic random sampling
technique. A structured pre-tested questionnaire and observational checklist was used for
data collection and the data were collected by trained data collectors using a face-to-face
interview and direct observation. Analysis was done by binary logistic regression model. Both
Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to see the association of
different variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure the degree
of association between variables. P-value of < 0.05 was considered as statically significant
during multivariable logistic regression.
Results: A total of 801 from 812 respondents with a response rate of 98.6% were included in
this study. Utilization of Latrine of among households with latrine was 41.9 % [95% CI: (38.8,
45.3)]. Presence of school children [(AOR=2.27, 95% CI (1.44, 3.56)], cleanliness condition
of the latrine [(AOR=3.34, CI 95 %: (2.26, 4.93)], distance from living room [(AOR=1.56, 95%
CI :( 1.09, 2.25)] and perceived benefit [(AOR=3.64, 95% CI (1.13, 11.67)] were significantly
associated with latrine utilization of the households.
Conclusion and recommendation: Utilization of Latrine among households in rural
communities was moderate as compared to other study findings. Therefore, health workers
pay special attention to frequent follow up to households to maintain and improve the
utilization of latrine.
Keyword: latrine utilization, Takussa district, Northwest Ethiopia
