A study of open air defecation practice in rural nandivargam village.
Author(s): Ashish Bijaykrishna Banerjee*, Pasha M. A.M., Fatima A., Isaac E.
Abstract
Toilets are not only sanitation and health issue, but also privacy, dignity, climatic and economic issue. India accounts for 59 percent people in the world practicing open air defecation. Objective of study was to understand the household behavior and attitude towards open air defecation by the residents and motivate public toilet / private toilet of Nandivargam village of Nandyal taluka, District Kurnool. It was a cross sectional study survey conducted from 2nd Oct to 15th Nov. 2012 using pre-tested questionnaires. Out of 946 households in the village, convenient sample of 236 households were interviewed. Systematic random sampling technique was used. Chi square test was applied for statistical analysis. There was significant association was found between lower socioeconomic status and open air defecation practice. (p < 0.001). 151 (64%) of families were below poverty line, of which 127 (84.1 %) were practicing open air defecation. 134 (56.77%) households had toilets of which 97 (71.32 %) were using them. After defecation, all household respondents does hand washing at least with water, some 34 (14.4%) additionally use water with soap / ash. 179 ( 75.84%) households do not regard open air defecation practice as a stigma. Construction of toilets does not come under top priority list, if lump sum amount is given to non-toilet resident household. Rains are an important determinant for usage and construction of toilets. Study concluded that prevalence of open air defecation is very high (74.57%). Increasing awareness regarding health hazards, aesthetic sense and privacy might improve these practices. Effective political will and administrative support are needed to scale up the sanitation program.
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