ASSESSMENT OF ACCESS TO TOILET FACILITIES AND ITS HEALTH IMPLICATIONS IN TORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria occupies the second position in global open defecation rating and poor access to toilets
in the country has been attributed to economic, cultural and social norms as many people still
defecate in the open space, bushes and rivers. The objectives of this study were to assess the
level of accessibility to improved toilet facilities, examine the health impacts of poor toilets
and to find out the respondents’ perception on the benefits of improved toilet facilities. The
descriptive survey method normally employed for public opinion surveys, fact finding surveys
and status studies among others was used for this study. Systematic sampling technique was
employed for the selection of the study settlements and the respondents. Descriptive statistics
which provides a concise numerical summary of the characteristics of a variable was used in
the analysis of the data collected for this study. The findings of this study reveal that 52.66%
of the respondents earned less than NGN220 per day out of which 23.11% have daily income
of less than NGN110. Whereas only 2.95%had access to improved toilets, 61.57% use pit
latrine which is not safe. The noble perception of the respondents that improved toilet facilities
prevent diseases is hijacked by poverty and ignorance. Access to improved toilet facilities
could be achieved through vigorous public enlightenment programmes by stakeholders and
economic empowerment to heads of household by Government, NGOs and philanthropies.