Opportunities and barriers to effective operation and maintenance of public toilets in informal settlements: perspectives from toilet operators in Kampala.
Int J Environ Health Res
; 29(4): 359-370, 2019 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30426766
ABSTRACT
Although classified by the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) as unimproved sanitation facilities, public toilets still play a critical role in eliminating open defecation in informal settlements. We explored perspectives of toilet operators on opportunities and barriers to operation and maintenance (O&M) of public toilets in informal settlements. A cross-sectional study design was used. Up to 20 in-depth interviews were used to obtain data on the experiences of public toilet operators. Thematic content analysis was used. Ressults show that opportunities for improving O&M include; operation of public toilets is a source of livelihood; operators are knowledgeable on occupational risks, and the community is involvedin sanitation activities. Barriers to effective O&M include; high operation costs, failure to break even and a lack of investments in occupational health Therefore, there is need to recognise the significance of public toilets as a viable alternative to open defecation in areas where ownership of private sanitation facilities is difficult. Failure to observe the health and safety of toilet operators may further compromise O&M.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Banheiros
/
Saneamento
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Saúde Ocupacional
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
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Qualitative_research
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Female
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Humans
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Male
País como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article