Practice of Excreta Related Hygiene among Rural Dwellers: A Case of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State Nigeria

Safe disposal of human excreta is a major prerequisite to Health. This study was carried out to provide useful insight to the current excreta related hygiene practiced in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Survey research design was used and questionnaires distributed to a total of three hundred and eighty two respondents selected across the twelve communities that makes up the rural area through clusters and convenience sampling techniques with each community contributing thirty two respondents on the basis of their sizes. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentage method. The findings reveals that water closet and pit latrines were predominately used in the study area with finance the major determinant of the type of disposal system used. There was poor hygiene practiced in aspects of hand washing and cleaning of disposal system which is responsible for prevalence and spread of excreta related and communicable diseases in the area with little awareness on the risk of unsafe excreta disposal. Thus the need for increased awareness excreta related campaign in rural communities is recommended.