Knowledge and Perceptions on the Public Health Implications of Open Defecation Practices among Residents in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Open defecation, an undesirable sanitation practice, involves the inappropriate disposal of human waste in places like public spaces, water bodies, and forests, rather than using toilets. This study examined residents' knowledge and perceptions of the health impacts of open defecation in Yakurr LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used with a sample size of 344 respondents, selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data collection involved a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire via Open Data Kit, analysed in SPSS Version 23. The study showed that majority of respondents were aged 30–49 years (mean age 41.4 ± 14.6), and 269(78.1%) were aware of open defecation. However, 286(83.1%) had poor knowledge of its health implications, and 188(54.7%) held positive perceptions of its public health risks, with 156(45.3%) showing negative perceptions. Additionally, 210(61.0%) reported that neither they nor household members had practiced open defecation in the past month, with inadequate sanitation infrastructure cited as a primary contributor 201(58.4%). Although most respondents refrained from open defecation, 226(65.7%) had never engaged in it. There was no significant association between knowledge level and prevalence (χ2 = 5.232, P = 0.073). In this study, most participants recognized the negative health impacts associated with the practice. These insights highlight the urgent need for improved sanitation infrastructure and targeted governmental intervention to address the barriers to eliminating open defecation.