The status of sanitation and disease prevalence in Katwe Zone, Kampala City

Abstract

In many developing countries, sanitation and hygiene remain a challenge. This research dealt with the status of sanitation and the prevalence of sanitary related diseases in Katwe, Kampala. This research was carried out with the objectives of; i) categorize the sanitation facilities used in Katwe zone, ii) assess the community use of the sanitation facilities and iii) determine the prevalence of sanitation related diseases. Data were collected using structured questionnaires as the main tool, one to one interviews and observation check list. Descriptive statistics were summarized and generated using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The results of the study indicate that a relatively large proportion of people (90%), have access to sanitation facilities. However on average, a large number of users (6 households) were found sharing a sanitary facility. Private shared pit latrine facilities were the most common sanitation facility (62%) in the area. The other facilities in the study area were public pit latrines (12%) that are communally used and open urinals (10%). The findings also show a high awareness level (80%) of the sanitary related diseases amongst the households and this could have contributed to the relatively high prevalence of the related diseases among households in the area.