AWARENESS TOWARDS THE MESSAGE OF BEHAVIORAL CHANGE IN OPEN DEFECATION PRACTICES AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF ILESHA COMMUNITY
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The study examined “Awareness towards the message of behavioral change in open dedication practices among the residents of Ilesha community.” Six objectives guided this study, while two theories—the theory of planned behavior and the health belief model—served as the theoretical underpinnings upon which this study was anchored. A survey research method was employed, and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 382 respondents from the study population. A structured questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. Findings revealed that awareness of campaigns against open defecation in Ilesha is relatively high, and a majority of residents acknowledge the health risks associated with the practice. Campaigns have achieved significant levels of familiarity and have had a positive influence on behaviors, although challenges persist. However, infrastructural deficits, particularly the lack of toilet facilities, remain the biggest obstacle to achieving complete eradication of open defecation.
Keywords: Awareness, message, behavioral change, open defecation practices, Ilesha community
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