Influence of Open Defecation-Free (ODF) Communication Efforts on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Residents of Selected States in South-South, Nigeria

Aim: To examine the influence of ODF communication intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice as precursor for sustainable ODF adoption.

Study Design: Data was gathered using a mixed method. A total of 384 participants were selected from the South-South region using multistage sampling technique.

Place and Duration: A total of eight communities were selected from four states (Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa) in South-South Nigeria. The study was conducted between June and July 2019.

Methodology: A total of eight focus group discussions were held, one in each community while 384 copies of questioners were administered, 48 for each community.

Results: indicates high awareness (89%) of ODF but poor understanding. Significant difference in knowledge between those exposed and those not exposed to ODF communication intervention was revealed. Attitude to ODF was poor and insignificant between those exposed and those not exposed. Practice towards ODF initiative was manifest in the proper handling of child feaces, ownership and use of toilet while a binary logistic regression of demographic factors associated with the likelihood of practice towards ODF initiative revealed gender, education and age as the three strongest. Other factors impacting negatively on sustained ODF adoption are inappropriate and inadequate communication, denial of structural constraints and intervention systemic glitches.

Conclusion: The relevance ODF communication intervention is established yet inappropriate and adequate application as well as other factors combines to obscure the full realization of its potential in improving defecation practices. A region specific ODF intervention and evidence based participatory communication approaches are recommended.