Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on sanitation initiatives among slum dwellers in Bwaise Kampala District, Uganda

Abstract

Uganda has implemented a three-year WASH project in two urban slums, focusing on sanitation and clean water. The initiative included community interventions, home repair campaigns, water quality testing, and handwashing. Results showed improvements in solid waste management, decreased unprotected water sources, and increased piped water usage. However, an all-encompassing strategy is needed to address root causes like urban poverty and government shortcomings. The study evaluates slum dwellers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sanitation initiatives, identifies strategies for disease prevention, and identifies factors influencing their implementation in Bwaise slum, Uganda. The study, was a community-based cross-sectional research design, analysed data from Bwaise slums in Kampala using structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings can inform policymakers and stakeholders in designing effective sanitation initiatives. The study found that Gender and Access to Hand Washing Facilities: p < 0.01, Government Initiatives on Hygiene and sanitation participation: p < 0.01, government participation in sanitation and waste management: p < 0.05, having dustbins and government participation in waste management: p < 0.01. With Secondary Education: AOR of 1.73 (p=0.03), Tertiary/Institute Education: AOR of 2.03 (p=0.009), University Education: AOR of 2.41 (Sig. = 0.03, p <0.05) were statistically significant, showing the highest positive association with the outcome. Overall, Education level is strongly associated with better hygiene and sanitation outcomes, while factors like age, gender, and marital status do not show significant differences. To improve these outcomes, it is essential to implement targeted educational campaigns on hygiene, enhance access to handwashing facilities in low-income areas, promote government-led community participation initiatives, advocate for effective waste management, and conduct research to identify barriers faced by various demographic groups to create tailored interventions.