Prevalence and Associated Factors of Open Defecation among Secondary School Students of Kolhabi Municipality, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Sanitation is fundamental to human development. Many international organizations use hygiene and sanitation facilities as a measure of progress in the fight against poverty, disease, and death. On September 30, 2019, Nepal was declared open defecation free (ODF), but still, It is seen that some rural parts of Nepal, along the Terai, where there are practices of open defecation. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of open defecation among secondary school students in Kolhabi Municipality. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 secondary school students of Kolhabi Municipality, Bara district. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Result: Among 196 respondents, the prevalence of open defecation was 16.8%. Among the respondents who openly defecate, nearly half of the respondents (48.5%) gave reasons for open defecation as their peer does, followed by insanitary toilets (24.1%) and the continuation of an ancestor’s way of life (21.2%). The prevalence of open defecation was higher among males (30.7%) than females (8.3%). The distance between the water source and toilet (p = 0.018) and the sex of the respondents (p = 0.000) showed significant associations with the prevalence of open defecation. Conclusion: A study showed the high prevalence of open defecation, although Nepal was declared open defecation-free. So, the attitude of the students’ needs to be changed. There should be a formulation and involvement of a committee at the ward level for awareness and sustainability of the program related to sanitation.