DETERMINANTS OF OPEN DEFECATION IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA: EMPIRICAL FINDINGS HIGHLIGHTING SOCIOCULTURAL AND ECONOMIC DYNAMICS AMONG HOUSEHOLDS

Abstract

This study examined sociocultural and economic factors determining open defecation in the Wa Municipality,Ghana.The study employed a mixed method approach involving questionnaire administration to 367 households systematically selected from 21 communities, observation, and eight key informant interviews. The mixed log it model was used to determine the factors that significantly influence open defecation.The findings revealed that 49.8%of households had no form of toilet facility at home and were either using communal/public toilets or practicing open defecation.Several sociocultural and economic reasons account for this.But for these households,having a toilet facility at home does not seem to be a priority.Six factors(education,household size, occupation, income, traditional norms, and beliefs and ownership of a toilet facility) were positively significant in determining open defecation.Fundamental to many of the significant factors is households’ capacity to finance construction of home toilets.In addition to finding new and innovative approaches to public education, the principle of credit financing, that incorporates community-led initiatives, may be considered in assisting households to construct home toilets.