Household latrine use, maintenance and acceptability in rural Zinder, Niger

Int J Environ Health Res. 2007 Dec;17(6):443-52. doi: 10.1080/09603120701633529.

Abstract

We conducted a survey in rural Niger to assess use, maintenance and acceptability of household latrines one year after a subsidized promotion project. Standard interviews were conducted with 200 randomly selected project participants and a visual latrine inspection. Before the project, 21.5% (43/200) of households had latrines. After the first year, 100% of these households had at least one latrine. Overall, 2577 household latrines were built in the 50 targeted villages. Latrines were 'always' used by 92.5% of adults and 55% of children in the households. The latrines were adequately maintained: superstructure 93%, covers 74.5%, clean 70%. The main perceived advantages of latrine ownership were proximity/easy access (59.5%) and privacy (22.5%). The project demonstrated that the implementation of a household latrine promotion project is acceptable and feasible in rural Niger. Future promotion projects may develop local sanitation expertise and focus on perceived benefits--proximity and privacy--rather than health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Consumer Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Family Characteristics
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hygiene
  • Male
  • Niger
  • Rural Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Sanitation / standards
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Toilet Facilities / statistics & numerical data*
  • Trachoma / prevention & control*