Abstract:
Background: -The construction of latrine is less cost sanitation technology that is used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Development actors in Ethiopia are using Community-Led Total Sanitation and hygiene (CLTSH) as an approach to bring sustainable behavioral change on latrine utilization. Objective: To assess latrine utilization and associated factors among primary and non-primary open defecation free kebele households (HHs) in Farta district, south Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from December 11/2015 to January 2/2016 in Farta district. A total of 714 households (358 HHs from primary open defection free and 356 HHs from non primary open defecation free) were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaire and observational checklist by trained data collectors. Data were entered using Epilnfo version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 statistical software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with latrine utilization. Crude and Adjusted odds ratio with 95%CI were calculated to identify the predictors of latrine utilization Results: - The overall latrine utilization was 58.1 % with [95%CI :( 54.6-61.8)], comprises of the prevalence among primary open defection free and non-primary open defecation free HHs were 61.2% and 55%, respectively. The extent of latrine utilization was significantly associated with households residing in open primary defecation free kebeles [AOR: 95% Cl:2.71 (1.64-4.48)],households having latrine more than 2 years[AOR: 95% Cl:2.49(1.56-3.98)], distance of latrine from the house,< 6 meter [AOR: 95% Cl:5.4(2.82 -10.34)], household visitation ::::3 times per month by HEWs [AOR: 95% Cl:5.36 (2. 71-10.63)],having elementary or secondary school children in the house[AOR: 95% Cl: 3.84(2.27- 6.49)],latrine slab sealed with mud or cemented [AOR: 95% Cl:5.6(3.43-9.13)] and latrines no need maintenance[AOR: 95% Cl: 3.69(1.92-7.09)). Conclusion: Latrine utilization in District of Farta was low the national target of 82%. The level of latrine utilization variation was well explained by households with residing in open primary defecation free kebeles, households having latrine more than 2 years, distance of latrine < 6 meters from the house, households supervise ::::3 times per month by HEWs, having elementary or secondary school children in the house, having latrine slab sealed with mud or cemented and latrines no need maintenance were the major factors affecting utilization of latrines. Cognizant of this fact, it is recommend that the frequency of supportive visits be increased by health workers and having well-structured latrines had better be strengthen to latrine utilization.