Effect of Open Defecation on Human Health: A Case study of Machina Local Government, Yobe State

The effect of open defecation on human health is quite detrimental and cause several outbreak of disease worldwide which has become an annual epidemic in Machina Local Government area of Yobe State. This study therefore aimed at identifying the effects of open defecation on human health through the following objectives: determining the socio economic characteristics status of the study area, determining the effect and possibly establish awareness among individuals within the study area and finally, suggest proactive measure in mitigating open defecation hazard among individuals in the study area. The study utilizes five (5) wards within the study area which include: Bogo, Dole, Damai, Falimaram and Machina kori. Data were collected through quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data was statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Findings reveals that strategies deployed by relevant authorities in the study area is feeble, with partially participatory by individuals. The result shows that due to the polygamy nature of respondents, increase in population, lack of toilet facilities and inadequate public toilets people are forced to practice open defecation as they are left with no option. The study therefore recommends that then Health Department of Machina LGA should deploy the use of Community Led Total Sanitation that will target all categories of people and eventually lead to change in behavior and drastic reduction of open defecation practice. The members of the community should be trained as peer educators so that they can form discussion group within local language.