EFFECTIVE LATRINE UTILIZATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN GUNICHIRE TOWN, SNNP, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA 2022

Abstract

Background: Latrine utilization is the actual behavior in a practice of regularly using existing latrines for safe disposal of excreta. Latrine utilization is a common problem in semi-urban areas of developing countries, including Ethiopia. The construction of latrine is a relatively simple technology that is used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Objective: To assess effective latrine utilization and its associated factor on Bunchier Town fromMay01 to June. Methods and materials: Community based cross sectional study design was employed from April 08 to April 18 in 2022 at Gunchire town. Structured questionnaire was developed first in English. Attention was given to check all questionnaires for completeness and accuracy. The questions and statements were arranged according to particular objectives that they can address. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS and analyzed data was represented by frequency and percentage then presented with graphs, tables and pie chart. Result: From 580 respondent 457(78.8%) were satisfactory used latrine and the rest 123(21.2%) were non- satisfactory used. Those household having soap for hand washing after toilet was 3.315 times higher than those haven’t soap for hand washing after toilet [AOR= 3.315, 95%CI: 1.750, 6.281] and households were visited by health extension worker was 5.552 times effectively used than those don’t visited by health extension worker [AOR=5.552, 95%CI:2.917, 10.569].Conclusion and recommendation: The study revealed that majority of the household use latrine effectively and significant number ofparticipant not used latrine effectively. This study identified that, status of latrine, years sincelatrine construction, and visible signs of flies, latrine floor clean ability, and existence of soap for hand washing after toilet, visiting of the household by health extension worker were factors associated with effective latrine utilization. This study was recommended to Gun chiru Health extension worker and local authorities must provide health education and sensitization for the community to promote effective latrine utilization.