| dc.description.abstract | ABSTRACT
Background: Safe management of faeces (SMoF) and environmental contamination by faecal pathogens have been extensively researched although the SMoF in under-five children has been perennially neglected perhaps due to the misconception that it is harmless. This research, therefore, studied the situation, to determine the magnitude and dimensions of the problem aimed at making policy level stakeholders aware of child faeces management systems and so, inform evidence-based implementation of child and health-related programmes in Nansana.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among a multistage random sample of 173 household caregivers of children under five in Nansana Division, Wakiso district. Quantitative data was collected using pretested close ended questionnaires and analysed using Stata version 13.0. Qualitative data was collected using key informant interview guides and analyzed using thematic content analysis technique. Results were presented in form tables and pie charts.
Results: More than half (80.0%) knew that faeces of children under five are harmful when compared to those of adults. About 61.7% had good knowledge and 74.3% had a positive attitude on sanitation and hygiene variables relating to the management of child defecation practices. Also 78.9% of caregivers practiced good transportation and disposal methods of faeces of children under five and most caregivers had access to improved water sources as shown in the study. It was found that 94.3% caregivers disposed of the faeces of their under five children in the latrine while the rubbish containers were used by 88.6% respondents. In addition, regarding the disposal of under-five faeces, caregivers’ preferences varied with the mobility of under five children.
Conclusion/Recommendation: Majority were knowledgeable and had positive attitudes towards child faecal matter management and also more than half of those had good disposal practices of the children under five faecal matter. Though it still evidenced some gaps such as the improper faecal matter disposal by some caregivers, the air pollution from those that burn the diapers, the improper means of transportation such as hands. The gaps identified in the study need to be addressed in order to ensure proper management of children under five faecal matter in households in Nansana division. | en_US |
