ii Sanitation Practices and Preferences in Peri-Urban Accra, Ghana Open Access

Abstract

Abstract
Sanitation Practices and Preferences in Peri-urban Accra, Ghana

Background: Worldwide, about 40% of the population lacks access to improved
sanitation. Although many negative outcomes are associated with lack of sanitation,
limited progress has been made towards improving sanitation coverage. Initial research
on sanitation promotion has shown that many factors influence sanitation practices and
preferences, with health often not being the motivating factor for latrine uptake.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine sanitation practices and
preferences in four communities in a peri-urban area with rapid population growth. By
examining differences between current practices and preferences, the study assesses if the
communities are satisfied with their current sanitation options and if there is a demand for
increased sanitation coverage and better facilities.

Methods: This study took place in Prampram, Ghana in summer 2011. This study was
conducted using a quantitative survey programmed into a handheld device with GIS
capabilities. Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with open
defecation, satisfaction with home defecation options, and ownership of personal
sanitation facility.

Results: 61% of participants had practiced open defecation on the day before being
surveyed, and over 50% were not satisfied with their home sanitation options. 80%
indicated their preference was a flush toilet, with 45% desiring personal flush toilets.
Increased odds of satisfaction with home defecation options was associated with owning
a personal sanitation facility, using flush toilets and VIP latrines, age and male gender.

Discussion: This study demonstrates that open defecation is very common in the
surveyed communities and was practiced by a greater proportion of the population than
previously reported for Accra. There is a large discrepancy between current defecation
practices and stated sanitation preferences, suggesting that there is demand, and therefore
a potential market, for improved sanitation options and facilities. Future studies should
examine willingness to pay for improved sanitation.

Table of Contents

vii

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction .....................................................................................................1
Chapter 2: Review of the Literature .....................................................................................7
Sanitation .......................................................................................................................8
Methods for Studying Sanitation ........................................................................................11
Sanitation Research Findings..............................................................................................14
Barriers to Improved Sanitation ..........................................................................................15
Sanitation in Ghana .........................................................................................................19
Chapter 3: Project Content ...............................................................................................22
Methods ........................................................................................................................22
Results ..........................................................................................................................30
Chapter 4: Discussion .......................................................................................................50

Discussion.......................................................................................................................50
Conclusions ....................................................................................................................60
Lessons Learned and Recommendations ...............................................................................61
References ......................................................................................................................63
Appendix A ........................................................................................................................66
Appendix B ........................................................................................................................68
Appendix C ........................................................................................................................82

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	Ghana Practices Survey Sanitation Preferences Sanitation Demand Open Defecation Peri-Urban
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Moe, Christine L, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Emory University schools, faculty or affiliated programs Non-US governmental agency (e.g., Minister of Health in Haiti) University, college or educational institution (other than Emory)

Last modified

Primary PDF

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions
	ii Sanitation Practices and Preferences in Peri-Urban Accra, Ghana ()	2018-08-28 14:13:11 -0400	Press to Select an action Download

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions