Study of factors associated with open defecation in a rural area of Nalanda District

Open defecation has many health hazards. Still, it is rampant in different parts of the country. The present study was conducted to find the prevalence of open defecation and factors associated with this behaviour among residents of rural area of Nalanda District. Open defecation was practiced by 35% of rural population. It was significantly associated with age (p=0.02), sex (p=0.01), education (p=0.00) and occupation (p=0.00). Association with caste (p=0.23), type of family (p=0.63) and type of housing (p=0.053) was not significant. Open defecation has strong roots in our culture and access/ availability of toilets poses many challenges.