Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Child Faecal Matter Disposal among Caregivers in Wadajir District in Mogadishu- Somalia

Abstract

Backgroup: Diarrhea kills 2,195 children every day-more, than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined. Under-five mortality rate in Somalia is presently the third worst in the world after Angola and Chad. Though there are multiple contributory causes, childhood diarrhea is one of the leading causes of child mortality. There is a plethora of evidence suggesting that diarrheal diseases is acquired through ingesting food, water or any other fluids contaminated with human excreta, hence safe disposal of children’s feces is as essential as the safe disposal of adults’ feces. This study aimed at assessing the socio-cultural factors influencing disposal of child fecal matter among care givers of children aged 5 years and below in Wadajir District in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative approach. Data was collected using Key informants. Key informant sample size was determined using the data saturation approach. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically using the NVivo software.
Results and Conclusion: The key themes which emerged indicated that: perception that ‘child fecal matter is not harmful’, lack of gender sensitive latrines, culture of open defecation, low literacy levels among care givers, internal displacement and poverty, and Islamic religion influenced disposal of child fecal matter, were the main sociocultural factors influencing disposal of child faecal matter.
Recommendation: To reduce diarrhea infections in Mogadishu, there is need to promote proper child fecal matter disposal. We recommend development and implementation of hygiene and sanitation interventions; promoting construction and utilization of latrines as well as health education interventions targeting care givers in Wadajir District, Mogadishu, Somalia.

Key words: Diarrhea, Socio-Cultural Factors, Child Fecal Matter Disposal, Mogadishu