Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: October-December | Volume: 5 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 409-414
Anal Cleansing and Excreta Disposal Practices among Young Adults in Southeastern Nigeria
Igwe, C.N.1, Amadi, A.N.2, Onwuzulike, N.M.3, Ozims, S.J.1, Amadi, C.O.A.2, Achigbu, K.I.4, Azuamah, Y.C.5, Okereke, E.E.6
1Department of Public Health, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
2Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
3Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Nigeria
4Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Center, Owerri, Nigeria
5Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
6Department of Environmental Health Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Corresponding Author: Igwe, C.N.
ABSTRACT
Proper anal cleansing and excreta disposal practice is important in maintaining good sanitation and hygiene. The objective of this study was to investigate the anal cleansing and excreta disposal practices of young adults in tertiary institutions located in Southeastern Nigeria. A total of 1100 young adults comprising 430 (39.09%) males and 670 (60.91%) females participated in the study. Results showed that out of the 650 respondents in Universities, 407 representing 62.62% used tissue paper only for anal cleansing after defecation, 162 (24.92%) used water only, while 81 (12.46%) used water and soap for anal cleansing. Out of the 210 respondents in Polytechnics/Monotechnic, 138 representing 65.71% used tissue paper only for anal cleansing after defecation, 44 (20.95%) used water only while 28 (13.34%) of used water and soap for anal cleansing. Results also showed that out of the 240 young adults in Colleges of Education, 155 representing 64.58% used tissue paper only in their anal cleansing practice, 39 (16.25%) used water only, while 46 (19.16%) of the young adults used water and soap for anal cleansing after defecation. The use of toilet facility was most practiced among young adults in Southeastern Nigeria. Data analysis using the one way ANOVA for testing the significance of the difference in the excreta disposal practices among young adults in tertiary institutions of Southeastern Nigeria at 5% level of significance showed that the excreta disposal practices among the young adults was significantly different among the institutions (P<0.05). Adequate toilet facilities with running water in every tertiary institution were recommended.
Keywords: Anal cleansing, Excreta disposal, Hygiene, Sanitation, Hand washing.