Abstract: The core objective of the study is assesses implications of open defecation on health of people living in rural areas: A study of Ojo and Aro communities)”. The study was anchored on Health Belief Model to give the study the needed footing. A cross-sectional survey research method was adopted while questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents within Ojo and Aro communities respectively using accidental sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) while the data were presented with the aid of tables. The study found out that a sizable number of the respondents (45%) said they were 6-10. Also, on the accessibility of toilet facility at home; majority of the respondents (69%) emphasized no. and as such majority of them (39%) still defecate in the bush and majority of those who have, only maintain a pit latrine. By and large, the prevalence of open defecation still high as 78% of the respondents. It is recommended that more resources should be devoted to constructing toilet facilities, septic systems, and sewage treatment plants suitable for remote areas without existing infrastructure. This can significantly reduce open defecation rates. Also, there is need to raise awareness of the health hazards of open defecation and promoting positive sanitation behaviors and norms is crucial for creating demand and uptake of sanitation facilities in rural communities.

Table of Contents

Abstract

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Statement of the Problem

Objectives of the Study

Research Questions

Significance of the Study

Scope of the Study

LITERATURE REVIEW

Conceptual Review

Review of Empirical Studies

Theoretical Framework

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Population of the Study

Sample Size/Technique

Description of the Instrument

Method of Data Analysis

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Discussion of Findings

Conclusion

Recommendations

References

INTRODUCTION

The disposal of human faces in the fields, bushes, forests, open bodies of water, beaches, and other open spaces is called open defecation i.e Open defecation is the act of passing excreta in exposed locations instead of in covered locations (Ismael, 2022). Open defecation remains an endemic practice in many rural parts of Nigeria, with profound implications for public health.

Nigeria has become one of open-defecation nation globally. Nigeria as a nation is faced with a behemoth of problems and the issue of open defecation is one of them. The World Health Organization (2015) estimated that 47 million Nigerians defecate in open spaces. This is to show that, at least, one out of four Nigerians engage in open defecation (NORM, 2018). A national survey in 2018 found that 24% of Nigeria’s rural population still practices open defecation (UNICEF, 2018). This is linked to higher morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases.

Contamination of water sources by fecal bacteria is one of the main risks associated with open defecation. A study of 150 households in Enugu State found that the presence of Escherichia coli in household drinking water was significantly associated with having a member who defecates in the open bush, forest, or field (Ezeigbo, 2018). Not having access to a hygienic latrine can lead to the spread of diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, polio, and intestinal worms through fecal-oral transmission (WHO, 2019). Children are especially impacted, with diarrhea being a leading killer of Nigerian children under 5 (UNICEF, 2015).

Open defecation also creates health risks specifically for women. Women who wait until nightfall for privacy face risks of assault. Lack of sanitation facilities in schools also leads to high dropout rates among adolescent girls once they reach menstruation age (WaterAid, 2019).

The Nigerian government has prioritized ending open defecation under the national Clean Nigeria campaign. However, progress has been uneven across states. One study found open defecation rates ranging from 5% in Lagos to over 60% in Jigawa (Galadima et al., 2018). Poorer and rural states generally have higher rates of open defecation linked to poverty, cultural practices, lack of education, and limited state resources devoted to improving sanitation infrastructure (UNICEF, 2018).

Meanwhile, more resources and coordinated efforts between communities, government, NGOs, and development partners are still needed to expand access to improved sanitation in rural Nigeria. This can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the disease burden associated with poor sanitation. A 1% reduction in open defecation is estimated to reduce diarrhea cases by 2% (UNICEF, 2017). As Nigeria aims to reach the Sustainable Development Goal target of eliminating open defecation by 2025 (UNDP, 2019), evidence-based interventions and tailored behavior change strategies will be key, especially in addressing the unique sanitation needs of marginalized rural populations. It is against this background that this research investigated the implication of open defecation on health of people living in rural areas with a particular focus on the residents of Ojo and Aro communities in Egbedore local government, area of Osun State with a view to know Osun State perspective.

Statement of the Problem

One of the many health issues Nigerians face is the lack of sufficient public restrooms and the country’s practice of inadequate cleanliness. According to data provided by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), around 50 million Nigerians defecate outside. This behaviour is specific to impoverished or slum communities, where people live completely unaware of the effects their activities have on the environment and their health. They run the danger of catching infectious illnesses as a result (Mohammed, 2020). The practice of open defecation pollutes the environment, public areas, beaches, and even the air. It also has a negative impact on development and tourism. It is against this backdrop that this research investigated the implication of open defecation on health of people living in rural areas with a particular focus on the residents of Ojo and Aro communities in Egbedore local government, area of Osun State.

Objective of the Study

1. To assess the prevalence of open defecation in Ojo and Aro Communities, Egbedore L.G area of Osun State.
2. To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to sanitation and open defecation among Ojo and Aro Communities.
3. To identify the factors associated with open defecation practices in Ojo and Aro Communities.
4. To evaluate the implication of open defecation among Oresidents of Ojo and Aro Communities.

Research Questions

1. What is the prevalence of open defecation in Ojo and Aro Communities, Egbedore L.G area of Osun State??
2. What is the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to sanitation and open defecation among Ojo and Aro Communities?
3. What factors associated with open defecation practices in Ojo and Aro Communities.
4. What is the implication of open defecation among Oresidents of Ojo and Aro Communities?

Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. Some of the befit of this study’s findings include:

Informs evidence-based policy and interventions: By quantifying the long-term health risks, mental health impact, and cost-effectiveness of sanitation interventions, the research provides robust data for policymakers. Equally, this study’s findings can guide the development and implementation of targeted policies, resource allocation, and interventions specifically tailored to address the Nigerian context.

Empowers communities and promotes behavior change: Understanding the social and cultural factors influencing open defecation practices allows the development of culturally sensitive and community-driven interventions. Also, by empowering communities and fostering ownership of sanitation initiatives, the research fosters long-term behavioral change and sustainable improvements in sanitation practices.

Contributes to global public health goals. By generating evidence on the health consequences and effective interventions, the research contributes to the global effort towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: “Clean Water and Sanitation”.

Scope of the Study

The study which assesses the implications of open defecation on health of People living in rural areas was narrowed in scope to residents of Ojo and Aro communities area of Egbedere, Osun. Thus, the geographical scope of this study was within Ojo and Aro communities. The choice of Ojo and Aro communities was due to the proximity to the researcher, inadequate time to study all rural communities in Nigeria among other logistics. However, the demographical variables of the respondents of were examined before the administration of respondents.

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