Child feces disposal practice and associated factors: a dilemma in Tigray, northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Safe disposal of children's feces is as essential as the safe disposal of adults' feces. However, there is widespread belief that feces of infants and young children are not harmful. This study aimed to assess child feces disposal practice and associated factors in northern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 445 mothers with children less than five years of age. Results are presented in tables, graphs, and texts. Mothers within the age category of 25–34 were 3.7 times more likely to practice safe child feces disposal than mothers in the age range of 15–24 [AOR (95% C.I.) = 3.73 (1.06, 13.10)]. Government employed mothers were 99.92% less likely to practice safe child feces disposal compared to housewives. Urban dwellers were 3.5 times more likely to practice safe child feces disposal than rural areas [AOR (95% C.I.) = 3.51 (1.24, 9.99)]. In general, child feces disposal practice was low in the study area. Higher age category of mothers, housewives, and urban dwellers were factors associated with safe child feces disposal practices. Therefore, further intervention should be designed to improve safe child feces disposal among lower age category, employees, rural residents, and those defecating on floors.