Latrine characteristics and maintenance practices associated with pit latrine lifetime in an informal settlement in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

This study assessed latrine characteristics and maintenance practices associated with an extended pit latrine lifetime in an informal settlement in Kampala, Uganda. Data were obtained from 306 respondents on sociodemographic characteristics, their private pit latrine characteristics and latrine lifetime. A modified Poisson regression was used to model the latrine characteristics and maintenance practices associated with the pit latrine lifetime. All analyses were performed using Stata 14 software. Approximately 23.5% of the pit latrines had a lifetime of less than 2 years, and most latrines were reportedly desludged (64.7%) or regularly cleaned for maintenance (27.1%) as a way of extending lifetime. Pit latrine lifetime extension was higher in male-headed households (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.25), households with a smaller number of users (unshared vs shared latrines) (PR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.29) and where desludging of pits was regularly done (PR 1.53, 95% CI 1.17–1.99), while post-primary education level was negatively associated with extended latrine lifetime (PR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77–0.99). Deliberate efforts, including sensitizing communities on desludging and provision of non-shared household sanitary facilities, are needed to improve latrine maintenance and consequently extend latrine lifetime. Highlights The design of the pit and operational management affects pit latrine fill-up rates.; Approximately 23.5% of the pit latrines filled within 2 years after construction.; The number of users and regular desludging of pit had a significant effect on the lifetime of pit latrines.;

Keywords

• human waste
• informal settlements
• kampala
• lifetime
• private pit latrines
• uganda