Predictors of open defecation amidst community-led total sanitation approach

Access to improved sanitation remains essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting good health. Despite efforts to end open defecation, including through the adoption of community-led total sanitation, open defecation remains a significant challenge in developing countries. This study investigated predictors of open defecation in the Sagnarigu municipality of Ghana’s Northern Region. A cross-sectional design and a quantitative approach were adopted among households in sampled communities implementing the Community-Led Total Sanitation approach. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models were used to analyse the data at the bivariate and multivariate levels at a 95% confidence level. The results revealed that 33.3% of households engaged in open defecation. Gender, females (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.15–0.61, p < 0.010), age, ≥ 61 years old (aOR: 4.4, 95% CI 0.47–40.53, p < 0.050), household size, 11–33 members (aOR: 1.0, 95% CI 0.70–10.50, p < 0.050), education, tertiary (aOR: 0.1, 95% CI 0.02–0.84, p < 0.05), were significant predictors of open defecation. In conclusion, the study found high latrine ownership, but this was not correlated with latrine use, indicating that open defecation remains a challenge in the municipality. Gender, age, marital status, household size, education, and occupation were predictors of open defecation. 1. High open defecation among households despite CLTS implementation in communities. 2. High latrine ownership did not correlate with usage. 3. Sociodemographic characteristics, rather than awareness of CLTS and source of education on CLTS, were found to predict open defecation. 4. Increasing odds of open defecation with an increase in age. 5. Decrease the odds of open defecation with higher educational attainment.