A Cross Sectional Study to Assess Sociodemographic Profile and Sanitation Practices in a Rural Village in Western Maharashtra

Access to water supply and sanitation is a fundamental need and a human right. The effects of poor sanitation seep into every aspect of life including health, nutrition, development, economy, dignity and empowerment. So, the present study was carried out to assess sociodemographic profile and sanitation practices in rural area of Maharashtra.

1) To study sociodemographic profile of families in the village population 2) To assess sanitation practices among the families in the village population.

A Cross-sectional study was conducted in a village in western Maharashtra including household as Unit of study. Total 201 households were included in the study. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used for collection of data. The questionnaire consists of socio-demographic profile, water and sanitation practices in households. The data collection was done by interview and observation method.

Data of 192 households was analysed with Microsoft Excel and Epi-Info Version 7 Software. Average family size was 5.4, total population was 1044 out of which 567 (54.31%) were males and 477 (45.68%) were females. There were 52.60% nuclear families and 47.4% joint families. Overcrowding was present in 32.29% of households. There were 146 (76%) households had tap water from Grampanchayat, 22 (11.45%) had duel water supply i. e. from tap water and well. 48 (25%) of households were carrying refuse disposal by collection van of Grampanchayat while 144 (75%) of households were doing refuse disposal by throwing indiscriminately. There were 184 (95.83%) of households had latrine facility among them, 146 (79.34%) were private while 38 (20.65%) were public latrines.

As the village is located near industrial area, better socio-economic development is seen in the area. There were 95% households with either private or public toilets but still practices of open-air defecation is persistent in the village.