Water, sanitation and hygiene practice and associated factors among HIV infected people in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected people have substantially greater need for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Many opportunistic infections cause high morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLHIV) than in immune competent populations. The objective of the study was to assess WASH practices and associated factors among PLHIV. A cross-sectional study design was conducted. Bivariate and multivariate logistic model was employed. According to this study, 97 (23.5%) of the households have unimproved water status, 221 (53.5%) of the households have unimproved sanitation status and 171 (41.4%) of the households have poor hygiene practice. Diarrhoea [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 16; 95% confidence interval (CI): (6, 44)] was associated with water status of the clients. Occupational status [AOR = 8.9; 95% CI: (2, 38)], wealth index [AOR = 0.23; 95% CI: (0.12, 0.4)], frequency of body washing [AOR = 0.23; 95% CI: (0.12, 0.4)] and hand washing device availability [AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: (2.5, 8)] were significantly associated with hygienic practice. It was concluded that the magnitude of the problem regarding WASH practices in HIV infected people in the study area was high. Health education and integrated additional support for the provision of WASH practices is needed.