Interactions Between Health and Socio-Culture in Sanitation

Abstract

This part discusses sanitation from the perspectives of health and well-being. In particular, we focus on the socio-cultural aspects of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in relation to health. First, we discuss the social determinants of health (SDH) with an in-depth focus on the gender, cultural, and economic disparities that impact access to quality sanitation. We also spotlight sanitation workers, who play a significant part in existing sanitation systems yet unquantified and ostracized. Furthermore, as theoretical underpinnings, we review methodologies to behavioral changes including information dissemination, education approach, and community-based approach. Subsequently, we introduce the three chapters that constitute this part. Chapter 10.1007/978-981-16-7711-3_7 examines relationships between child health (e.g., undernutrition and diarrhea) and its associated factors (e.g., water, sanitation, and hand hygiene) in Indonesia. In Chap. 10.1007/978-981-16-7711-3_8, we argue the transfer of health risks in sanitation and its social allocation (i.e., genders) in Vietnam. Finally, in Chap. 10.1007/978-981-16-7711-3_9, we introduce Participatory Action Research (PAR) involving local children and youth in tackling WASH issues in Sub-Saharan Africa (Zambia). In the end, we reemphasize SDH by mentioning socio-cultural aspects of health and attitudinal and behavioral changes on WASH in society through community-based approach.

Envisioning sustainable sanitation planning: a unified approach of diffusion of innovation and theory of planned behavior in predicting ecosan toilet adoption in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia

“…Transitioning to sustainable sanitation involves considering perceptions alongside technological and economic factors (Widomski, Ladziak, and Lagod, 2018). The Sustainable Development Goals stress socio-cultural considerations for sanitation equity (Yamauchi, 2022), urging a deeper exploration of cultural perceptions and differences (Alhumoud and Madzikanda, 2010). Perceptions of modern sanitation systems, like UDDT, are shaped by adopters' experiences, highlighting the need to consider existing sanitation structures (Harada et al, 2010;Conroy and Mancl, 2022).…”

Socio - Cultural Determinants and Gender Disparities: Assessing the Intersection with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State

“…The provision of safe water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene has been lauded as one way of preventing diarrhoeal infections and improving health especially in developing countries (Wasonga, et al, 2016). The domain of safe drinking water still faces a challenge, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme 2015), and careful re-examination of the details of its improvement is required (Satterthwaite 2016;Yamauchi, Nakao, and Harada, (2022). In terms of sanitation, it generally refers to the provision of facilities and services for safe disposal of human faeces and urine (Okon, 2016).…”

“…Moreover, sanitation facilities do not function by themselves, but have significance only through social management. The process of decision-making also largely depends on socio-cultural conditions, and the importance of sanitation needs to be socially acknowledged (Yamauchi, Nakao, and Harada, 2022). Furthermore, the pace of improvement in sanitation is markedly slower compared with that of safe drinking water.…”

“…The transition from the MDGs to the SDGs requires more consideration based on the socio-cultural aspects of global water, sanitation and hygiene. Those living in severe situations face structural violence, and vulnerability is a structural product of class-based economic exploitation as well as cultural, gender/sexual, and racialised discrimination (Quesada et al, 2011;Yamauchi, Nakao, and Harada, 2022). In other words, equitable water, sanitation and hygiene for those in vulnerable situations can only be based on socio-cultural considerations Yamauchi, Nakao, and Harada, H. (2022).…”

“…The establishment of appropriate sanitation and provision of clean water has for long been presented as a challenge for global development by international organizations, at least half a century. The League of Nations Health Organisation, which became the World Health Organization (WHO), had recognised the importance of sanitation as early as the 1930s, advocating appropriate sanitation in "rural" housing (Borowy, 2007;Yamauchi, Nakao, and Harada, 2022). The disposal of untreated human wastes into water or tidal mudflats along the waterfront communities is linked to public health (Bassey, 2008;Okon, et al, 2017) and this is the major problem facing the Nigerian coastal areas, as evidenced by health records from Akwa Ibom State Hospitals ' Management Board (2009).…”