THE CHALLENGES OF IMPROVING SANITATION IN A COMMUNITY BASED INTERVENTION: STUDY IN PODOK VILLAGE, SOUTH KALIMANTAN
Syarifah Nuraini (a), Sri Handayani (a), Paisal (a), Suharmiati (a)

National Institute of Health Research and Development

Abstract

The use of floating latrines in communities in river areas is still an environmental health problem in South Kalimantan today. To improve people^s behaviour in defecating, various efforts can be made with different approaches. This study aims to obtain a model of change in defecation behaviour by using community empowerment and participatory action research approach. The intervention process consists of planning the establishment of sanitation entrepreneurs, training for skilled workers in the community to build latrines, and changing agents to increase knowledge and awareness of the community. The results showed a change in the knowledge and attitudes of change agents and the community in sanitation behaviour. However, changes in the act of defecating are difficult to change because to make healthy latrines requires money- meanwhile, the need for healthy latrines is still not a priority for people with low economies. Therefore, sanitation entrepreneurs must operate as community capital to have healthy latrines.

Keywords: sanitation, community-based intervention, healthy latrines

Topic: Environmental Health