Knowledge of public health challenge of open defecation in rural areas of South-East Nigeria: Implications for social workers

  • Samuel O Ebimgbo University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Chinyere E Onalu University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Ngozi E Chukwu University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Onyeyilichukwu P Onwuama University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Paulinus S Okah University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Tochi E Iwuagwu University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Keywords: Knowledge, open defecation, public health, rural areas, social work

Abstract

Background: Practice of open defection has growing health concerns especially on rural dwellers and is among leading causes of diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, stunting and responsible for the death of children under 5 years in Nigeria. This study seeks to examine knowledge of public health challenges of open defecation among rural residents in south-east Nigeria and implications for social work.Data source and methods: Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used for data collected from 52 respondents in Nsukka and Udenu LGAs of Enugu State. Thematic analysis was adopted and phrases with contextual connotations were pulled as illustrative quotes.Results: Lack of toilet facilities makes community members engage in the practice despite knowledge of its public health implications.Conclusions: The study recommends strengthening of government’s efforts to eradicate the practice; incorporating social workers as facilitators in public health regulations and advocacy in sensitising households to provide their own toilets.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Samuel O Ebimgbo, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Department of Social Work
Chinyere E Onalu, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Department of Social Work
Ngozi E Chukwu, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Department of Social Work
Onyeyilichukwu P Onwuama, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Paulinus S Okah, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Depratment of Social Work
Tochi E Iwuagwu, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education
Published
2019-05-09
Section
Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)