Open defecation has been a major sanitation and social health issue in most developing countries, especially in the rural populations where there is a low access to better sanitation structures. Among the countries where people engage in open defecation, Nigeria has one of the best population and rural people are most affected as a result of poverty, lack of proper sanitation facilities, and socio-cultural reasons. This paper will give a sociological evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on open defecation and explore the implication of open defecation on the general health of the rural population in Yobe State, Nigeria. The study was based on a descriptive cross-sectional survey that included the chosen communities in rural areas in Yobe State. The use of observational methods, structured questionnaires, and key informant interview were used to collect data. The research evaluated the degree of knowledge on sanitation and hygiene, attitude on open defecation and sanitation practices of community members. The results show that despite the number of respondents who are aware of the risks of poor health related to open defecation, socio-economic pressures, cultural beliefs, inability to access sanitation facilities, and absence of proper environmental sanitation facilities are the reasons why the practice continues to be common among the respondents. The research also indicates that open defecation is a major contributor to the increased waterborne infections like cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery and typhoid fever in rural populations. Poor sanitation and contaminated water sources make children below five years very susceptible to the diseases. Disposal of human waste in open areas was also noted to be a significant cause of poor health outcomes by environmental pollution. The study highlights the necessity of combined interventions that would target infrastructural and behavioural elements of sanitation. The availability of cheap sanitation facilities