Knowledge, attitude, and practices of community members toward the use of latrines at Lokatap village in Kotido district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/h27k2861Keywords:
Latrine use, Sanitation, Open defecation, Hygiene practices, Rural community, Kotido District, UgandaAbstract
Background:
Latrine use is a fundamental component of sanitation and public health, playing a critical role in preventing communicable diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of community members toward latrine use in Lokatap Village, Kotido District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing quantitative methods was used. Data were collected from 30 adult respondents selected through simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire, translated into the local language, was utilized to gather information on socio-demographic characteristics and KAP related to latrine use. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in tables and charts.
Results:
The majority of respondents were aged 26–35 years (60%), had primary level education (57%), and were predominantly farmers (50%). Although 56.7% of respondents acknowledged that open defecation affects water and soil cleanliness, 60% were unaware of sanitation guidelines, and 53.3% incorrectly associated poor sanitation with conditions such as headache. Attitudinal findings revealed that 53.3% considered latrine use unimportant, while 57% had negative perceptions toward owning a latrine. Additionally, 53% believed latrine maintenance should be left to natural processes. In terms of practices, 60% of households reported using bushes or open spaces for defecation, while only 23% used household latrines. Latrine cleaning was irregular, with 53% cleaning occasionally and 7% never cleaning.
Conclusion:
There is poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and unsafe practices significantly hindering proper latrine utilization in Lokatap Village, increasing the risk of sanitation-related diseases.
Recommendation:
Targeted community health education programs should be strengthened to improve knowledge and attitudes toward sanitation. Promotion of household latrine construction, improved hygiene practices, and active involvement of local leaders in sanitation campaigns are essential.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Emmanuel Potino Lokong, Lamex Ogwal, Denis Obong, Tonny Mike Omara, Ronald Awoi (Author)
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