Browsing by Author "Polley-Johnston, Stephen"
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- ItemTheological response to Open Defecation in Asokore Mampong Municipality.(KNUST, 2023-02) Polley-Johnston, StephenABSTRACT Inadequate environmental sanitation and open defecation has been recognized as a public health hazard worldwide. In some Ghanaian communities, living with waste and defecating in gutters as part of the natural environment has become a way of life. This study is to identify the theological response on sanitary condition of urban communities in Asokore Mampong Municipality. The study uses a cross sectional survey design for a sample population of 6,770 household head of four communities in the municipal. Simple random sampling technique as well as purposive sampling was used in selecting 350 inhabitant/household head in these communities and structured questionnaire was used for data collection, both primary and secondary data were also considered in the study. Data was analysed using frequencies, percentages and Cronbach Alpha. Result of the findings shows that, both communities were beset with extremely poor waste management practices. Large volumes of waste were observed in almost every open space with the few poorly maintained gutters being clogged by waste. Improved toilet facilities coverage was extremely low (2.8% for Aboabo number 1, 4.8% for Aboabo number 2, 1.4% for Aboabo Extention and 8.9% for Asawase) leading to an average number 227 representing 64.9% of households patronizing the few public toilet facilities in the communities. Majority of the private toilets were also shared by more than three households. High levels of indiscriminate disposal of childrenās excreta on open plots, streets, gutters and dump sites were observed as well as the practice of open defecation. Due to this, high levels of water related diseases, particularly diarrhoea (12.7%, 16.2%, 24.4% and 11.6 respectively) were high in children under five years in both communities. The study also reveals the various unsatisfactory personal, domestic and environmental hygiene practices, contributing to various diseases in the communities. These findings could be used by residents and city authorities for planning and effective management of the sanitation sector in order to protect public health and ensure good environmental quality. Therefore, to enhance the sanitary condition and open defecation in these communities, the government should establish and enforce a more robust environmental sanitation approach and health education.