Sanitation and Hygiene Practice Among Rural and Tribal Households in Northern Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study explores the sanitation and hygiene situation in Thakurgaon District, a rural area and tribal population, and inadequate access to modern healthcare facilities in Bangladesh. The general objectives of the study were to investigate satisfaction with hygiene practices in various demographic groups (education, age, and gender) and to assess the situation of sanitation facilities in rural areas under Thakurgaon district. This study is based on data from 267 rural dwellers and uses logistic regression to analyses factors (such as education, occupation, income, and family type) influencing sanitation and hygiene behavior practices. The results show that there is a significant difference in water supply comfort, safe drinking water, and hygiene practices. People with lower income and women with less than primary education reported being more satisfied with sanitation, whereas people living in joint family setups and households with four and more rooms were found to be more comfortable with hygiene and sanitation. These results underscore the fact that socioeconomic status, in particular, education and income, has a significant impact upon sanitation behaviors. The results suggest there is a need for targeted effort on sanitation in rural areas, particularly targeted effort for sanitation among the disadvantaged people in those areas. Policymakers ought to focus on implementing a better hygiene-oriented education program, increasing access to safe water, and developing the sanitation infrastructure of the rural districts. Efforts should also concentrate on the culture of care needed to serve the needs of tribal and rural communities with culturally sensitive programs. Through public health policies adapted to the socioeconomic conditions of these populations, it would make a great leap towards Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all.