PREVALENCE, CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF OPEN DEFECATION AMONG STUDENTS OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This work investigated the prevalence, causes, and consequences of open defecation among students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. This study was embarked upon to investigate the various factors influencing the persistence of open defecation on campus. The study adopted the survey research design, using the multistage sampling procedure in the selection of 204 respondents. The target population were undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. A questionnaire schedule served as the instrument for data collection. The collected data were coded and processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Frequency tables and charts were used to analyze, describe and present the data. The study found that open defecation is prevalent among students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Insufficient toilet facilities, poor maintenance, and lack of water supply were identified as the major factors influencing open defecation. Based on the findings of the study, the work recommended that to curb open defecation, it is crucial to provide adequate, well-maintained, and gender-sensitive toilets across campus. The study also recommended sustained hygiene education to promote behavioural change.