UTILISATION ET PRATIQUES D’HYGIENE DES LATRINES FAMILIALES DANS L’AIRE DE SANTE RURALE DE KAROMO DE LA PROVINCE DU MANIEMA EN REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO : CONNAISSANCES, COMPORTEMENTS ET DEFIS COMMUNAUTAIRES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61841/sqpzbg37Keywords:
Sanitation, Family latrines, Hygiene, WASH, Karomo.Abstract
In rural areas, the mere availability of latrines does not guarantee adequate hygiene practices. This study aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes and hygiene practices related to the use of family latrines in the Karomo Rural Health Area.
This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among household heads or adult members responsible for sanitation decisions. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire, covering socio-demographic characteristics, sanitation knowledge and hygiene practices associated with latrine use. The analysis was based on descriptive statistics.
The majority of households had a latrine (92.5%). However, water and soap were rarely available nearby (10.6% and 7.5% respectively). Although more than two-thirds of respondents reported cleaning their latrines, this practice was infrequent. The management of full latrines was mainly based on their abandonment (92%). Furthermore, 36.2% of latrines did not have a door. Finally, although most respondents had been exposed to hygiene promotion messages, their knowledge remained partial.
High latrine coverage does not guarantee adequate sanitation practices. The behavioral, structural and organizational inadequacies observed compromise the expected health benefits. These results highlight the need for integrated WASH interventions, focused on behavior change and infrastructure sustainability.
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