Open defecation persists as a global health problem despite efforts to build and implement better toilets. Based on nine focus group meetings held across two communities in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, this study shows that open defecation is a symbolic practice contributing to social and cultural identity formation. Major themes were derived regarding the positives and negatives of open defecation and latrine use. Open defecation was considered as a means for social communication, particularly for girls and women, and not necessarily as a healthier practice. Issues of politics and class relations emerged, with lower caste people expressing the lack of or poor quality toilets. Yet the persistence of historical and cultural identity played a part in people’s preference to go out to the field to defecate, especially for women to sustain their social connectedness and men to sustain their masculine identity. These cultural and communication aspects of open defecation should be considered in ongoing sanitation movements.

中文翻译：

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定性研究传播，文化认同和开放性大便

尽管人们努力建造和安装更好的厕所，但开放式排便仍是全球健康问题。根据在印度北方邦农村两个社区举行的九次焦点小组会议的结果，这项研究表明，露天排便是一种象征性做法，有助于形成社会和文化认同。主要主题涉及露天排便和厕所使用的正面和负面。公开排便被认为是进行社会交流的一种手段，特别是对女孩和妇女而言，并不一定是一种更健康的习惯。政治和阶级关系的问题浮出水面，种姓较低的人表示缺乏或质量较差的厕所。然而，历史和文化认同的持久性在人们偏爱排便的领域中起到了一定作用，特别是让女性保持社会联系，让男性保持男性身份。正在进行的卫生运动中应考虑露天排便的这些文化和交流方面。