FACTORS INFLUENCING HOUSEHOLD TOILET OWNERSHIP IN THE WORKING AREA OF SIPIONGOT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, NORTH PADANG LAWAS REGENCY

Abstract

Household latrine ownership is an important indicator of environmental sanitation and plays a significant role in preventing environmentally related diseases. In the working area of the Sipiongot Community Health Center, North Padang Lawas Regency, some households still do not have healthy latrines, and open defecation practices remain a concern. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing household latrine ownership. This study employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of all heads of households in the working area of the Sipiongot Community Health Center. A total of 95 respondents were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis, the Chi-Square test for bivariate analysis, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. The results showed significant associations between household latrine ownership and educational level (p=0.000), income level (p=0.033), knowledge (p=0.000), attitude (p=0.000), and socio-cultural factors (p=0.000). However, health worker support (p=0.401) and village government support (p=0.107) were not significantly associated with household latrine ownership. Multivariate analysis showed that income level was the most dominant factor, with an odds ratio (OR) of 80.695, followed by attitude (OR=43.982), knowledge (OR=4.717), and educational level (OR=3.452). Educational level, income, knowledge, attitude, and socio-cultural factors were significantly associated with household latrine ownership. Household income was the most dominant factor influencing latrine ownership. Strengthening environmental health education, community empowerment, and community-based sanitation programs is recommended to improve household ownership of healthy latrines.