Background
Despite evidence that children’s faeces play a major role in diarrheal disease transmission
through the contamination of the household environment, relatively little priority has been
given to research and interventions in this area. In Cambodia, only 20% of children’s faeces
were disposed of in an improved sanitation facility according to the 2010 Demographic and
Health Survey. This study explores current practices and the role that enabling products may
play in increasing hygienic management practices.
Methods
A household survey was conducted in 130 houses in 21 villages and two provinces in
Cambodia. Four focus group discussions were conducted, two in each province. Households
were restricted to those with an improved sanitation facility and at least one child under five.
Results were analysed using STATA13 and explanatory variables were tested individually
and using logistic regression to control for child age. Focus group results were analysed
qualitatively.
Results
Main place of defecation, method of moving faeces, and main place of disposal differed
depending on child age, with children under two least likely to have their faeces disposed of
hygienically. Overall, 62.7% of households reported using a hygienic main disposal site while
35.7% reported doing so consistently. Factors associated with hygienic disposal included the
number of years a household had owned a latrine, the age of the caregiver, the consistency
of adult latrine use, and the presence of tools for child faeces management in the latrine.
Discussion
The results demonstrate a need for interventions targeting the hygienic management of
faeces of children under five in Cambodia, and particularly for children under two. The
technologies most likely to facilitate hygienic disposal for these age ranges include reusable
diapers, potties, and potentially latrine seats. Design features should ensure child safety,
time-savings, cost-savings, ease of disposal, and ease of cleaning. Product marketing will
also need to address hygiene behaviours related to child cleaning and caretaker hand
washing to ensure reduction of disease transmission.