Social-Economic Factors Affecting Accessibility to Sanitation and Hygiene Services Among People Living with Disabilities in Kitui County, Kenya

Abstract

Persons living with disabilities refer to individuals with persistent mental, physical, sensory or intellectual deterioration while interacting with varied barriers may prevent equal participation in society compared to other population. People living with disabilities (PLWD) are greater than five times probable to be found in the position of being unable to access sanitation and hygiene services as compared to normal people in the same community. There are significant gaps and limited knowledge in implementation of WASH policies across the country. This study aimed was to determine the social-economic factors affecting accessibility to sanitation and hygiene services among PLWD in Kitui County, Kenya. The study employed a cross sectional survey method. Socio-economic status indicated a high proportion of participants with limited education (51.1% with no formal education, 35.2% with primary education), and a pervasive low income (98.6% earning less than 10,000) and unemployment (85.3%). Socio-economic variables, including occupation (B = -0.212, p = 0.032), income (B = -1.068, p = 0.184), and education level (B = 0.457, p < 0.001), exhibited notable associations. This study identified substantial challenges hindering people with disabilities (PLWD) from accessing adequate sanitation and hygiene, revealing critical issues related to socio-economic factors, physical and environmental barriers, communication gaps, and institutional shortcomings.