Estimating Access to Drinking Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities in Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia, in Reference to National Coverage

Wolaita Sodo town are not well studied. Therefore, the main objective of this study was estimating
access to drinking water supply, sanitation and hygiene facilities in Wolaita Sodo town, southern
Ethiopia, in reference to national coverage.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design method was employed in the study in 588
households of Wolaita Sodo town inhabitants. Face-to-face interview to household owners, in-depth
interview to key informants, reviewing secondary data and observational check lists were used to
collect data. Districts were selected using simple random sampling techniques, while systematic
random sampling technique was applied to select households. Data was analyzed using Epi Info
version 3.5.4 and SPSS version 16 statistical software. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression
analysis was carried out.
Results: The community has access to improved water supply which was estimated to be 67.9%. The
main water sources of the town were tap water within the yard, which was estimated to be 44.7% and
tap water in the community was 40.0% followed by private protected well which was 14.5%. Ninetyone
percent of the households had at least one type of latrine in their homes. The most common type
of latrine available to households was pit latrine with superstructure which was estimated to be 75.9%
followed by a pit without superstructure, 21.3% and more than half of the respondents had hand
washing facilities in their compound. Occupational status, educational status and training on water,
sanitation and hygiene related topics were significantly associated with use of improved water source,
improved sanitation and hygiene facilities.
Conclusion: In order to address the demand of the town, additional water, sanitation and hygiene
programs are required.