Research Article
Evaluating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) Infrastructure and Behavioral Health Factors:
A Community-Based Study in Mattu Town, Ethiopia in 2024
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
121-127
Received:
22 April 2026
Accepted:
28 May 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.mhs.20260204.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure remains a significant public health challenge in urbanizing Ethiopia, directly driving morbidity and mortality from enteric pathogens. This community-based cross-sectional study evaluated WaSH facility status, environmental sanitation practices, and health-related behaviors in Kolo Korma Kebele, Mattu Town, Southwest Ethiopia, to inform targeted municipal and public health interventions. A mixed-methods approach was conducted among 347 randomly selected households using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and direct environmental observations. Quantitative analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0, and qualitative data were integrated via thematic analysis. The results revealed that while household latrine coverage was high at 94.2% (primarily traditional pit latrines, 85.3%), functional hygiene components were critically lacking; only 38.0% of latrines were consistently clean, and handwashing stations with soap and water were severely scarce near toilet units. Water security emerged as a primary bottleneck: only 29.4% of households had access to piped municipal water, leaving the vast majority (70.6%) dependent on unprotected springs. Alarmingly, point-of-use water treatment was critically low, with 79.7% of households using non-piped water directly from the source without any treatment. Furthermore, solid waste management infrastructure was severely deficient; 79.5% of households lacked municipal collection services, compelling 52.1% to practice open-field dumping. Although health literacy was high—with 93.7% of respondents demonstrating a clear understanding of communicable disease transmission pathways—systemic economic constraints and inconsistent water supplies prevented this knowledge from translating into safe practices. This study concludes that high infrastructure coverage alone is insufficient without ensuring service quality, water safety, and waste infrastructure. It is recommended that the Mattu Town administration prioritize spring protection, decentralized waste collection, and that health initiatives transition toward fostering specific behavioral changes like household water chlorination and handwashing maintenance.
Abstract: Inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure remains a significant public health challenge in urbanizing Ethiopia, directly driving morbidity and mortality from enteric pathogens. This community-based cross-sectional study evaluated WaSH facility status, environmental sanitation practices, and health-related behaviors in Kolo Kor...
Show More
