Drivers of women's sanitation practices in informal settlements in sub-Saharan Africa: a qualitative study in Mathare Valley, Kenya

International Journal of Environmental Health Research
Samantha WinterMillicent Ningoma Dzombo

Abstract

Despite evidence suggesting women are disproportionately affected by the lack of adequate and safe sanitation facilities around the world, there is limited information about the factors that influence women's ability to access and utilize sanitation, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to explore factors influencing women's sanitation practices in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Information from 55 in-depth interviews conducted in 2016 with 55 women in Mathare Valley Informal Settlement in Nairobi was used to carry out cross-case, thematic analysis of women's common sanitation routines. Women identified neighborhood disorganization, fear of victimization, lack of privacy, and cleanliness/dirtiness of facilities as important factors in the choices they make about their sanitation practices. This suggests that future sanitation-related interventions and policies may need to consider strategies that focus not only on toilet provision or adoption but also on issues of space and community dynamics.

References

Aug 2, 2008·Bulletin of the World Health Organization·Ffion Lloyd-WilliamsSimon Capewell
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Mar 15, 2014·International Journal of Environmental Health Research·Kenan OkurutKatrina Charles
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Oct 22, 2016·Global Public Health·Tina Khanna, Madhumita Das
Nov 26, 2015·International Journal of Environmental Health Research·Samantha C Winter, Francis Barchi
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Jul 12, 2017·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Bethany A CarusoRegine Haardörfer
Nov 15, 2017·International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·Josef NovotnýMartin Lepič

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Citations

Jun 27, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Prince Antwi-AgyeiSheillah Simiyu
Oct 20, 2019·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Samantha C WinterFrancis Barchi

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