The prevalence, spatial distribution and geographic weighted regression of open defecation practice in sub-Saharan Africa using demographic and health survey (DHS) data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Open defecation is a harmful and unsafe practice that contributes to environmental pollution and disproportionately affects developing nations, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 46% of the global population still practising open defecation. Socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and individual attitudes play crucial roles in shaping sanitation behaviours and influencing open defecation practices. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence, spatial distribution, and geographic inequalities of open defecation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

A community-based cross-

SUBMITTER: Demoze L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12711022 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature