Open defecation in the Malete community of Kwara State, Nigeria: a study of residents’ awareness level and practice

A clean and safe environment is necessary for healthy living. This explains why safe water and sanitation is a component of the Sustainable Development Goals, to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, and ending open defecation by 2030. However, with the snails pace of development and poor open defecation free initiatives, particularly in many developing countries, the 2030 target appears highly threatened. This study, therefore, examined the level of open defecation practice and awareness of the dangers associated with such a practice among residents of the Malete community of Kwara State. The study employed the survey method with a structured questionnaire to gather data from 228 participants out of the 10,547 community population. Among other findings, the study found a high prevalence of open defecation among Malate residents. It also discovered that through radio and interpersonal communication most respondents were exposed to messages on the significance of the regular use of enclosed toilet systems for defecation. Still, the respondents further confirmed that the spread of open defecation practice among them was exacerbated by poverty and lack of enclosed toilet facilities. However, in the case of the Malete community, the study found that there is no significant relationship between income level and involvement in open defecation. The study concluded that exposure to health messages via interpersonal and radio channels, provision of public toilet facilities, and awareness creation through education and community-driven campaigns could potentially improve behaviour.