Latrine use among residents of Imenti North Sub-County (Kenya)

Sanitary latrine access is crucial for public health and sustainable development, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality from diseases like diarrhoea. Despite global efforts, 3.6 billion people lacked access to safely managed sanitation services in 2020, with sub-Saharan Africa and rural areas disproportionately affected. In Kenya, only 33% of the population has improved sanitation, with significant disparities across regions. The study was conducted in Imenti North Sub County, Meru County, Kenya. The target sample was 396 households, calculated using Yamane’s formula, and data was collected through questionnaires, observation checklists, and interviews. A cross-sectional descriptive study design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. Ethical considerations included obtaining necessary permits and ensuring participants confidentiality. Findings showed that those with higher incomes had a greater propensity to use latrines compared to those with lower incomes. Other barriers to latrine use included unhygienic conditions of sanitation facilities, distance, lack of land space to put up a latrine facility and financial constraints. Inferential Statistics showed that significant factors influencing latrine use included household density, latrine cleanliness, hand wash facility availability, and privacy, all showing p-values < 0.05. In conclusion socio-economic factors, including education, income, and household size, significantly impact latrine use in Imenti North. Addressing these issues through targeted health education, affordable sanitation solutions, and community engagement is crucial for improved sanitation status.