Access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and associated factors in Ethiopia: evidence from demographics and health surveys

Abstract

In low- and middle-income countries, ensuring water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities for households remains a major public health concern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess households’ access to WASH services and associated factors in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 16,650 and 8,663 households in the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) and 2019 Mini-EDHS, respectively. The households were selected using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling technique. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with basic WASH services. Households’ access to basic water services was 65.2% (95% CI: 64.5–65.9%) and 68.7% (95% CI: 68.01–69.4%) in the 2016 EDHS and 2019 Mini-EDHS, respectively. Only 25.9% (95% CI: 25.2–26.62%) in the 2016 EDHS and 27.5% (95% CI: 26.34–28.3%) in the 2019 Mini-EDHS households had access to basic sanitation services. Moreover, only 38% (95% CI: 37.25–38.8%) of households had access to basic hygiene services in the 2016 EDHS. Female-headed households, urban residents, having education, family members ≥7, presence of soaps or detergents, and having a better wealth index were the most likely to have access to basic WASH services. The findings in general suggest the need for effective WASH interventions. HIGHLIGHTS This study will help track the progress toward achieving the SDGs.; The study was conducted using nationally representative data.; Households’ access to basic WASH services was relatively low in Ethiopia.; The findings suggested that compressive WASH interventions should be designed.;

Keywords

• ethiopia
• households
• hygiene
• sanitation
• water