Abstract:
Introduction: globally, there is a focus towards
improving hygiene and sanitation as demonstrated
in the 6th Sustainable Development Goal which
aims at supporting and strengthening communities
to participate and improve their hygiene and
sanitation.
This
is
primarily
because
implementation of global strategies such as
Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) has been
derailed, as shown by communities reverting to
open defecation (OD). Therefore, this study aimed
at determining factors influencing the sustenance
of the open defecation free (ODF) environment in
Kowili
sub-location.
Methods: the study
implemented a descriptive cross-sectional study
design where a structured questionnaire and FGD
guide were used. Random sampling and purposive
sampling were used to identify households and
FGD participants, respectively. The quantitative
data was subjected to descriptive and regression
analysis, while the qualitative data was subjected
to thematic analysis. Data was analysed using
SPSS version 20 at a 95% confidence interval. Data
was presented using graphs and tables. Ethical
clearance was sought from the University of
Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya. Permission and
consent were sought from National Commission
for Science, Technology & Innovation, Kenya
(NACOSTI) and the study participants, respectively.
Results: the rate of sustenance of the ODF
environment in Kowili sublocation was 77.5%.
Socio-demographic factors reported to significantly
influence the sustenance of ODF status were age,
marital status, household head, and family size.
Additionally, other factors reported to influence
the sustenance of ODF status were continuous
health education, continuous follow-up, provincial
administration involvement, and law enforcement
by relevant agencies. Conclusion: the sustenance of the ODF environment in Kowili sub-location is
considerably good. However, there should be more
intervention by stakeholders in ensuring that an
ODF environment is sustained.
