Latrine coverage and associated factors among urban communities found in Ambo town, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Latrine is one of many emergency responses essential for people’s dignity, safety, health and well-beings. It is a major priority, and the coverage needs to be addressed with as much speed and effort as possible. This study is intended to find out the latrine coverage and associated risk factors which hinders the coverage in Ambo town, Ethiopia.Methods: A survey was conducted from December 2015 to April 2016 among the community found in Ambo town. About 321 households were recruited in the study. Data on latrine coverage and associated risk factors like socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral and environmental factors were collected using pretested questionnaire. Risk factors related to latrine coverage were tested to determine the potential of these factors to limit latrine availability in Ambo town.Results: This study results showed that 265(82.3%) of subjects had a latrine. Among these majority of latrines 194(60.2%) were traditional pit latrines. About 123 (38.2%) of latrines found in this study, had a hand washing facility whereas, 142 (44.1%) had not these facilities. Factors like: religion, family size, and educational level of respondents were significantly associated with availability of latrines (P<0.05).Conclusions: Based on this study finding, the latrine coverage in ambo town is very good though the coverage of improved latrines still needs attention at all level of stakeholders. Most of latrines were traditional pit latrines. Enhancing the awareness level of the community about sanitation and its benefit would facilitate the coverage and the quality of latrines.