Socio-Demographic Determinants of Water Sanitation Awareness and Practices in Marka District, Somalia

Abstract

Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is critical for public health, particularly in regions facing infrastructural and environmental challenges. This cross-sectional study assessed the awareness and practices related to water sanitation and hygiene among 150 residents of Marka District, Somalia, between June 2023 and April 2024. A stratified random sampling method was employed, and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and direct observations. Among 150 respondents in Marka District, Somalia, the majority were young adults aged 21–25 years (73.3%) and male (65.3%). Most participants were illiterate (64.0%), with only 36% having primary, secondary, or university-level education. Residential distribution showed 56.7% lived in host villages and 43.3% in IDP settlements. Employment varied, with 32% employed full-time, 13.3% part-time, 28% students, and 26.7% unemployed. The findings indicate low awareness, with 45% unaware of climate change impacts, 42% unaware of improper water handling effects, 48% not recognizing open defecation risks, and 44–50% unaware of contamination from animal feces and sanitation facilities. Most respondents (78.7%) reported knowing how to use Aqua Tap systems, and groundwater was the preferred water source (53.3%). Education level was significantly associated with sanitation awareness (χ² = 18.64, p = 0.001), and residence type correlated with water source preference (r = 0.46, p = 0.004). Residential income significantly influenced sanitation practices (χ² = 15.8, p = 0.003), with 40% demonstrating good practices, more frequently among IDPs (26.7%) than host village residents (13.3%). Education, residence, and income influence sanitation, with illiterate and low-income groups showing poorer practices, emphasizing the need for targeted education and better WASH facilities.