| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of the study was to evaluate the variables impacting the adoption of
sanitation systems in rural communities of Tharaka-North Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi
County, Kenya. The study's objectives were to assess how social-cultural factors,
economic factors and sanitation technologies affect the adoption of sanitation systems. A
convergent mixed methods design was used in the study, which collected both qualitative
and quantitative data at the same time. 13 participants in a focus group who were
purposely selected were used to provide qualitative data through the use of an interview
guide. In order to determine the link between the variables, the quantitative data was
analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 which
produced descriptive and inferential statistics. According to the findings, 86% of the
inhabitants used pit latrines , some of which lacked slabs and roofs. Additionally, 15% of
the households defecated in public, 17% had salaried jobs , and 10% had no jobs. The
household income influenced adoption of sanitation systems with a mean of 4.9271
while employment status influenced adoption of sanitation systems with a mean of
4.1146. This economic disparity impacted sanitation access with only 9% of the
respondents able to afford ventilated improved pit latrines. The target population of the
study was 58,345 people. The sample size was 388 household heads. Cluster sampling,
simple random and proportionate random sampling were the sampling techniques
employed in the study. Appropriate confirmation of data collection instruments was
conducted by characteristics qualified experts before data collection took place. A
reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha was carried to ascertain whether that data set was
fit for analysis within the acceptable threshold. According to the findings, Public Health
Officers should train masons to promote acceptable sanitation technology designs for
usage in rural communities. Gender inequality should be taken into account while
developing sanitation systems regulations. In public and health practices, the Community
Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) strategy should focus on open defecation and encourage
locals to embrace appropriately designed sanitation facilities, systems and technologies.
The study also recommends the need to educate each other on the need to educate each
other on the need for the adoption of improved sanitation technologies such septic tanks
to increase awareness of safe sanitation systems and adaptability. | en_US |
