Publication:

A cross-sectional study to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of sanitation in rural areas of Tamil Nadu, India

Background This is a study attempted to assess the present situation of water and sanitation facilities, attitude and practices of the individuals living in 8 villages (4 each) of Cuddalore district and Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. Government should initiate measures to create awareness among rural population about the importance of proper sanitation among household. The aim of the study was to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of sanitation in rural areas of Tamil Nadu, India.

Methods This is a cross-sectional study carried out to understand the knowledge and practices followed for purifying drinking water, hand washing facilities and practice, presence and condition of toilet in house and waste disposal in 8 rural villages in 2 districts of Tamil Nadu, India.

Results On an average, there is 1 toilet among 13 people in surveyed areas. Total of 78% of respondents do not treat the water and 92% of the individuals were consuming water from municipal tap. Un-availability of toilet was 70% among study population; 40% of them stated financial reasons for absence of toilets. The practice of hand washing before handling of food is seen among 53% participants and 80% washed their hands after eating the food; 68% of the participants washed their hands after defecation. Average toilet cleanliness score is 2.88/5.

Conclusions Government and other social programs should be developed to educate and to create awareness about water treatment methods, need of proper sanitation and hand washing practices among rural population. The current message spread by Government programs are not reaching the masses, therefore further effort to penetrate periphery is required.