Abstract:
Background: Latrine utilization is the use of latrines by all family members in the households throughout their lives by keeping it clean. Low utilization of latrines leads to excreta-borne infections such as diarrhea. In order to sustain open defecation free in ODF declared kebeles, data on the utilization of constructed latrines should be well investigated.
Objective: This study aimed to assess latrine utilization and its associated factors among households declared open defecation free in Woliso district, Southwest Shoa.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 340 households from January to March, 2023 in Woliso District. Data were collected by face to face interview using structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and analytical components were displayed by using texts, tables and figures. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between the dependent and independent variables. P-value <0.05 was used as the cut-off point to declare statistical significance in the final model.
Results: A total of 338 households were participated in this study, making a response rate of 99.4%.The prevalence of latrine utilization among households in the studied area was 278 (82.2%) (95%CI: 78.1%, 86.4%). Having a family monthly income of 1001-5000 Eth Birr (AOR=6.04, 95%CI:2.39, 15.30) and >5000 Eth Birr (AOR=6.06, 95%CI:1.24, 13.26), having a new latrine (AOR=5.89, 95%CI:2.36, 14.69), households with latrines with doors (AOR=5.29, 95%CI:2.29, 12.20), availability of hand washing facility (AOR=4.82, 95%CI:2.05, 11.30), and absence of open space suitable for defecation close to the household (AOR= 6.08, 95%CI:2.63, 14.06) were factors that were significantly associated with latrine utilization.
Conclusion: The study concluded that prevalence of latrine utilization among households declared open defecation free in the study area was high. Family monthly income of 1001-5000 and >5000 Eth Birr, having a new latrine, having a latrine with a door, availability of hand washing facilities around the latrine, and absence of open space suitable for open defecation were significantly associated with latrine utilization. Therefore, it is important to focus on these factors to improve latrine use in the study area.
