An Assessment of the Determinants and Implications of Open Defecation Practices in Guli Babba Communities, Dukku Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Open defecation and its effects are entrenched in inadequate sanitation, poverty, and low hygiene consciousness, leading to public health hazards, environmental pollution such as disease outbreaks and reduced community well-being. Hence, this study assesses the availability of household toilet facilities and examines the factors responsible for open defecation practices in Guli Babba Community area of Gombe State, Nigeria. The research was guided by five specific objectives. A review of related literature was conducted using both primary and secondary sources to provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for the study. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, and the population comprised all households within Guli Babba Community. Data were collected through house-to-house survey using a structured questionnaires designed to assess community members’ attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions toward open defecation. The collected data were analyzed using simple frequencies and percentages analysis. The findings revealed that out of 223 households surveyed, 200 had some form of toilet facility, while 23 households lacked toilets entirely. Despite this, over many individuals still engaged in open defecation, either fully or partially. The community relies solely on an earth dam as its primary source of water. Major factors responsible for open defecation were identified as poverty, illiteracy, poor sanitation, dilapidated toilets, lack of access to improved toilet facilities, and cultural practices related to sharing toilets among extended families. The effects of open defecation in the study area include sexual harassment and violence, loss of dignity, high morbidity and mortality from diarrheal diseases, intestinal infections, cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, and miscarriage, among others. The study recommends the involvement of professional health workers to facilitate behavioral awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging open defecation practices. Furthermore, the government and non-governmental organizations are urged to provide boreholes for safe drinking water and to support the construction and maintenance of hygienic toilet facilities within the Guli Babba communities.