Exploring the Nexus of Water Contamination, Health Hazards and Households' Knowledge: A Pilot Study in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Abstract
Objective: To examines factors affecting households' knowledge regarding water contamination and identify health issues related to drinking contaminated water.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The information was collected from the households living in the surroundings of the Lai sewer of Rawalpindi city, from August 2019 to December 2019.
Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty-two (162) households were randomly selected and interviewed using a well-structured questionnaire for pre-testing. The Ordered Logit model was used to analyze the data and identify determinants affecting households' knowledge regarding water contamination.
Results: The education level of households, income, proximity to the Lai sewer, health issue, and access to health advice had significant positive effects on their knowledge regarding water contamination. The study showed that vomiting (51.67%), abdominal pain (48.19%), and diarrhea (42.68) were the main health issues reported by the households.
Conclusion: Effective community awareness programs regarding hazards of water contamination are important to prevent adverse health outcomes.
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