Assessment of Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Kasunga Village, Kituma Parish, Mugarama Sub County, Kibaale District, Uganda

Abstract

This study examines sanitation and hygiene practices in Kasunga Village, Kibaale District, Uganda, and their impact on public health. The village struggles with limited access to clean water and poor sanitation infrastructure, leading to high rates of preventable diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Socio-economic factors such as poverty, low education, and cultural beliefs further hinder the adoption of improved sanitation. Using Participatory Action Research (PAR), the community identified challenges and co-developed solutions. The research highlights a strong link between sanitation practices and health outcomes, with issues like inadequate latrine access, poor hand washing, and improper waste disposal. Economic constraints, infrastructure gaps, and cultural norms exacerbate the problem. Through community engagement, including health meetings and collective latrine construction, there was a 20% increase in regular hand washing and a 40% rise in latrine construction. The study emphasizes the need for continued education and resource investment in rural areas to address sanitation issues effectively. It concludes with recommendations for collaboration between local governments, NGOs, and community members to improve sanitation and health outcomes, advocating for the expansion of the PAR approach to other villages. This research provides valuable insights into sanitation and hygiene challenges in rural Uganda and offers practical solutions to improve public health.