Latrine utilization and associated factors in East Gojjam Zone, North-West Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

Objective: This research was aimed at assessing latrine utilization and associated factors in East Gojjam Zone, North West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on households of East Gojjam Zone, from 1 February to 30 May 2021. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 806 study participants into the study. Data were collected through pretested structured interview questionnaires and direct observation. Collected data were entered and cleaned using EPI info version 7.2 and analysed using SPSS version 23 software package. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess association of the variables and controlling the effect of confounders, respectively. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The overall latrine utilization in East Gojjam Zone was found to be 45.4% (95% confidence interval = 42.2-49.1). Occupation (adjusted odds ratio = 2.248, 95% confidence interval = 1.037-4.876), participating in model family training (adjusted odds ratio = 2.481, 95% confidence interval = 1.802-3.415), water availability (adjusted odds ratio = 2.456, 95% confidence interval = 1.514-3.983), and type of latrine (adjusted odds ratio = 2.013, 95% confidence interval 1.648-2.972) had statistically significant association with latrine utilization. Conclusion: Latrine utilization in East Gojjam Zone was found to be low relative to other studies and the country's plan. It is very far apart from the Ethiopian latrine coverage and utilization plan (100%). Occupational status, participated in the model family training, water availability, and type of toilet were significantly associated with toilet utilization. Encouraging private latrine construction with accessibility of water and all households participating in model family training may increase latrine utilization in East Gojjam Zone. Further observational study triangulated with qualitative research should be conducted to provide more strong evidence for further improvement of household latrine utilization status in East Gojjam Zone.