Factors influence household to use latrines after open defecation free declaration in Ermera Distritct, Timor-Leste

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to find out percentage of association between variables and use and maintain latrines. This information is needed to scale up programs in the Ermera District of Timor-Leste. The respondents were males and females 18-65 years of age in Haupu village. The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey, based on quantitative data. Overall 417 respondents agreed to participate and data were collected through interview by using a structured questionnaire and chi-square test was applied for significance. The study was conducted in February 2013. The results of the study showed 47.2% households had latrines used and maintained them, while 52.8% has stopped using them after 2011. 57.6% of respondents were male. 54% had no education and there was a strong significant association between level of education and latrine use, 34.1% of respondents’ occupations were “primarily farmers” or “managed livestock” and there was a significant association between occupation and latrine use (p-value 0.005), 59.2% earned incomes of less than 100 US dollars per month and there was a strong significant association between income and latrine use (p-value < 0.001). With regard to family size, 49.2% had 6-10 members, which had strong significant association with latrine use and maintenance (p-value 0.001), 44.0% had neighbors who used latrines and there was a strong significant association of this with latrine use and maintenance (p-value 0.001), 36.8% of neighbors influenced building and using latrines and there was a strong significant association with latrine use and maintenance (p-value < 0.001). In the study found that knowledge (p-value 0.002), attitude (p-value < 0.001) and practice (p-value < 0.001) were strong significant association with latrine use and maintenance. However there were insignificant association between latrine use and age, marital status and waters source. Regular basis health education and promotion about latrine use and maintenance to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices, including family members and children under five years old to use and maintain latrines.