Is open defaecation in outdoor recreation and camping areas a public health issue in Australia? A literature review

A significant public health risk arises from open defaecation practices in Australia's outdoor recreation and camping areas, where limited or no sanitation infrastructure exists. A literature review identified only three relevant studies, highlighting a critical gap in research on this topic. These studies revealed that faecal contamination of soils and watercourses poses a substantial threat to visitors' health, particularly in high-use camping areas. The findings underscore the need for targeted health promotion strategies, environmental management policies, and tailored sanitation solutions based on ecological conditions and visitor numbers. With outdoor recreation activities increasingly popular in Australia, addressing human waste management is essential to mitigate public health risks and preserve natural areas.

Stevenson, L. C., Allen, T., Mendez, D., Sellars, D., & Gould, G. S. (2019). Is open defaecation in outdoor recreation and camping areas a public health issue in Australia? A literature review. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 31(3), 525–532. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.300