People practicing open defecation, rural (% of rural population)

This indicator captures the proportion of the rural population engaging in open defecation, highlighting a critical public health and sanitation challenge. In many regions, particularly in developing countries, inadequate access to proper sanitation facilities forces individuals to resort to open spaces for disposal of human waste. This practice not only jeopardizes individual health through exposure to pathogens but also poses broader risks to community well-being, water quality, and environmental integrity. Additionally, it reflects social and economic factors, such as poverty and lack of infrastructure, intertwining with cultural practices and awareness levels about sanitation. Understanding this indicator is essential for designing effective interventions aimed at promoting hygiene, improving public health outcomes, and fostering sustainable development in rural areas. Source: