Assessment of open defecation practice among Gugugu Residents in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Open defecation is a major public health challenge in Nigeria. Several efforts to negate the negative health practice of open defecation have not been successful. We speculate that understanding the root causes of open defecation at the community level could mitigate the menace. This study aimed to investigate open defecation practices among Gugugu Residents in Abuja, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out on 92 people ages 18 to 50 years using a structured questionnaire from 1 January to April 2024 in Gugugu, Abuja Nigeria. Statistical data were presented in frequencies and percentages. Our aim was to determine the root causes of open defecation among Gugugu Residents in Abuja, Nigeria. We found that 97% of the study participants indulge in open defecation, 95% often do not use the toilet to defecate, and the poor hygiene of not washing hands after defecation. Surprisingly, 83% of the respondents do not have toilet facility in their houses and the presence of people defecating during early morning visit was obvious. Most of the study participants practiced open defecation. The lack of proper knowledge of hygiene coupled with dearth of sanitary facilities has compelled people to practice open defecation. Addressing the pervasive issue of open defecation in the study area requires comprehensive and sustainable strategies.