Knowledge, attitudes and practices of residents towards human Excreta management in Bwaise I parish, Kawempe Division, Kampala district
Abstract
Introduction
Excreta management has become an important Environmental Health concern for most countries especially those with poor and dense urban neighbourhoods or slums. In 2017, over 60% of residents in Bwaise I parish experienced a diarrheal disease episode with children less than 5 years suffering the higher burden. Despite the increased burden, little is known about how human excreta is managed by Bwaise Residents as well as their knowledge and attitudes regarding human excreta management is also scanty.
The objective of the study
The objective of the study was to assess the household knowledge, attitudes and practices on human excreta management among residents of Bwaise I parish, Kampala to guide the design of appropriate interventions for reducing the burden caused by poor human excreta management.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study involving quantitative data collection techniques was used to collect data on Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding human excreta management from 202 study participants. Multiple logistic regression modelling was performed to produce odds ratios and 95% corresponding confidence intervals for the factors associated with knowledge on human excreta management. Variables found significant (at α = 0.05) in the bivariate analysis were added stepwise into the final multivariate model.
Results:
One in Four (25.3%) had high knowledge of proper human excreta management. Participants aged 29-39 years (AOR = 2.83 95%CI 1.13-7.08) and .training on waste management were more likely to have high knowledge (AOR =1.72, 95%CI 1.45-1.96). Participants who were not willing to pay for disposal of excreta (AOR =0.76, 95%CI 0.01-0.81) were significantly less likely to have high knowledge on excreta management.
Conclusion:
There was generally low knowledge of residents of Bwaise I parish regarding proper human excreta management. The current findings serve to highlight the critical gaps in knowledge which may be prioritized for intervention by different actors. Institutions like Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Ministry of Health (MoH) should actively get involved with the residents of Bwaise I to improve the Knowledge gap by carrying out frequent and massive health education and sensitization for residents of Bwaise I parish.