Sanitation practices in rural settlements (Kenya)

Sanitation is one of the basic determinants of quality life and human development. The main objective of this study was to assess the determinants of sanitation practices in rural settlements with specific objectives on assessing the opportunity, ability and motivational determinants of sanitation practices in rural settlements of Tigania East in Meru County. The study employed the SaniFOAM model to capture three main determinants of behavior change (opportunity, ability and motivation) which led to desired behavior. A descriptive study design was used with a sample size of 150 households calculated using Fisher’s formula. Simple random sampling technique was employed in household selection. The study revealed that opportunity, ability and motivation determinants influenced sanitation practices. Results showed that 68 % of the respondents were not satisfied with using sanitation facilities and 73% of respondents believed that beliefs limited sanitation facilities adoption. The study also established that 60% of the residents practiced open defecation either due to inaccessibility of sanitation facilities and poor status of latrine superstructures. Knowledge alone did not influence avoidance of poor sanitation practices. The study recommends the need to address opportunity, ability and motivation factors influencing sanitation behavior. As well, government collaboration with sanitation-related bodies coupled with health promotion activities by public health officers is needed to support the construction of improved toilets in the area.