Exploring the determinants of open defecation in Nigeria using demographic and health survey data

Abstract

There is increasing global attention to the threats of open defecation (OD) to human health and dignity, and the environment. With at least a quarter of Nigerians (25.1%) or 46 million people practicing OD in 2015, Nigeria ranks third in the world in OD prevalence after India and China. This study explores the socio-economic, demographic and geographic factors that influence and determine the practice of OD among Nigerian households. Data was obtained from 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that about 32% of Nigerian households, 8% in urban areas and 24% in rural areas, practiced OD in 2013. The practice is significantly influenced (p < 0.001) by households' place of residence (χ2 (1) = 2126.2), geo-political region (χ2 (5) = 1962.6) and wealth index (χ2 (4) = 4622.7), as well as by household head's education level (χ2 (3) = 1253.3), ethnicity (χ2 (3) = 1926.2) and gender (t = −7.1992). The article also discusses the implications of the findings for environmental and public health and recommends that facilitating ownership of latrines by households and communities, and behavioral change interventions are necessary towards substantially reducing or eliminating OD in Nigeria.