Factors influencing the adoption and utilization of latrines in Babille Woreda, Somali region, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract The primary objective of this research was to identify the factors that influence sanitation behaviors toward the adoption and use of latrines in Babille woreda, Fafan zone, Somali region, eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional community-based study design was used. Household survey was used to collect quantitative data. Qualitative data were also gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. A total of 383 respondents were included in the study. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the quantitative data. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a logistic regression model. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. In the study area, 228 (59.5%) households had adopted latrines. However, only about one-third of them (111, 29.0%) consistently used the latrine. Sex, occupation, income, being aware of latrine construction, use and maintenance, and sources of information were significantly associated with household latrine adoption. Interventions to increase latrine adoption and utilization should account for differences in latrine adoption disparities by sex of the household head, occupation, and household income.