Freedom from open defecation an empirical study from two adivasi villages

Authors Details :
B Suresh Lal

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Background: Ending open defecation has been identified as a top priority for reducing global inequalities in water and sanitation (WASH). It is explicitly referenced in sustainable development goals (SDGs) target 6.2 and closely associated with more comprehensive efforts to end extreme poverty by 2030. Since 2000, the global rate of open defecation has decreased from 21% to 9% (0.7 percentage points per year). However, the 673 million people still practicing open defecation in 2017 were increasingly concentrated in a small number of countries, and these will need to be the primary focus of efforts to end open defecation by 2030. Objectives: To study the socio-economic background of Adivasis, to study the status of sanitation in rural areas, to examine whether economic conditions affect open defecation, to examine whether better sanitation facilities improve health conditions and to examine whether improved sanitation facilities impact the quality of life and thereby dignity of tribal women. Methods: Essentially it is an empirical study and a multi-stage random sample design was adopted. Data were collected from 120 sample households from two villages, i.e., Bandarigudem and Nadikudi of Khammam districts in Telangana State through a structured questionnaire. Statistical tools like frequency distribution, percentages, cross-tabulation with Chi-Square test, and a case study method were used. Results & Discussion: This paper found that 35% of Adivasis have health problems, and 73% said that they are getting treatment with RMP. 87% have toilet facility and more than 12% still defecate openly. 18.3% said that they faced different problems at open defecation, and 50% of women not using sanitary napkins. Nearly 90% of respondents wash their hands after toilets and coming from outside of the home. Ten per cent of respondents said that they do not have an awareness of sanitation. Therefore, the study confirmed that the sanitation facilities considerably made the women's dignity and quality of life better in the study area. Moreover, four case studies also focused on open defecation problems in the study area.