Awareness of Open Defecation Practice and Enclosed Toilet Use among Malete Residents in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2026-06
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Abstract
This study examined the level of awareness among residents of Malete
community in Kwara State regarding open defecation practices. Open
defecation, which the World Health Organisation and many nations including
Nigeria have pledged to eliminate by 2030, remains a pressing global health
and developmental challenge. The research examined the relationship between
residents’ awareness of open defecation and their adoption of enclosed toilet
systems. A survey of 230 respondents was conducted. The study found strong
awareness and favourable disposition toward the use of an enclosed toilet
systems in ending open defecation among the residents. Chi-square analysis
yielded a value of 21.400 with 4 degrees of freedom and a p-value of 0.000,
providing sufficient evidence that awareness significantly influences the use of
enclosed toilet systems among Malete residents. The findings suggest that
increased awareness, public enlightenment, and health education can
substantially reduce open defecation practices in Nigeria and other developing
countries. The study recommended that government and NGOs introduce
subsidised toilet construction programmes to help households build enclosed
systems.