| dc.description.abstract | The disease burden related to fecal-oral infections in Magarini Sub-County is a significant public health concern. The study sought to identify and analyze the primary drivers influencing sustained adherence to Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS)-driven sanitation improvements within the community. Open defecation refers to the practice of defecating in open spaces such as fields, forests, bushes, or bodies of water. Globally, approximately 1 billion people engaged in open defecation, with sub-Saharan Africa, where about 215 million individuals practiced open defecation, experiencing particularly high rates. In Kenya, an estimated 5.6 million people were reported to practice open defecation. Despite the introduction of the Community-Led Total Sanitation strategy by the Ministry of Health in Magarini Sub-County, the goal of achieving improved sanitation and hygiene had not been realized due to inadequate implementation. This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to the sustained adoption of community-driven sanitation enhancements through CLTS in Magarini Sub-County, Kilifi County. The specific objectives included determining the demographic characteristics of study respondents in Magarini Sub-County, identifying socio-economic factors influencing long-term adoption of improved sanitation through CLTS, and assessing existing sanitation infrastructure crucial for successful CLTS implementation in the area. The study sampled 388 households and utilized a cross-sectional study design, which provides a snapshot of a population's characteristics and behaviors at a specific point in time, to gather data about the target population. A proportional sample technique was used, which involved picking a reasonable number of households from each of the six administrative wards based on their individual sizes. To ensure a representative sample of households, 388 were randomly selected from household registers across the villages using a simple random sampling method. This approach guaranteed that every household in the population had an equal chance of being included in the sample, thereby minimizing bias and enhancing the generalizability of the findings. The questionnaire was the major tool for data collection, with participants educated on its significance and contents. The researcher used simple random sampling to collect household-level data from all wards in the Sub-County. The collection of this data used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, utilizing their strengths to arrive at a complete comprehension of the issue. Quantitative data underwent cleaning, coding, and analysis using SPSS version 24.0, R, and Microsoft Excel for graphical representation. Findings highlighted the critical roles of community cohesion, local leadership, cultural practices, and resource availability in CLTS approaches. Personal savings constituted 33.5% of funding sources, indicating a strong commitment but posing sustainability challenges for lower-income groups. Agricultural products and livestock contributed 19.9%, subject to weather and market fluctuations. Diverse and sustainable funding strategies are essential for the long-term success of CLTS initiatives in the Sub-County. Furthermore, respondents' locations and religious affiliations significantly correlated with CLTS participation, whereas socio-economic factors did not exhibit a significant relationship with availability for CLTS. | en_US |
