UTILIZATION OF LATRINE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN TAKUSSA DISTRICT, CENTRAL GONDAR ZONE, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2019

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