Kayako Sakisaka1, Evans Asena Chadeka2, Sachiyo Nagi3, Dorcas Shambi Mwandembo4, Masamine Jimba5. 1. Organization for Common Education, and Faculty of Policy Studies, Chuo University, Japan Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan sakisaka@tamacc.chuo-u.ac.jp sakisaka@m.u-tokyo.ac.jp. 2. Nagasaki University Kenya Research Station, Nairobi, Kenya. 3. Graduate School of Biomedical Science Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan. 4. Department of Social Services, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development, Kenya. 5. Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine water availability and community health before and after tube wells were introduced in a rural western Kenyan community. Differences in impact among income quintile groups were quantified, and users' perceptions of their water supply measured. METHODS: We conducted a two-part pre- (2009) and post-intervention (2011), cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires for mothers. RESULTS: In total, 1391 (576 in 2009 and 815 in 2011) mothers participated. Well introduction changed the households' drinking-water source from river to ground water. The median distance to the water source was reduced by 40% (500 to 300 metres) and median collection time was reduced by 50% (30 to 15 minutes). Water consumption per household increased by approximately 20% (from 82.6 to 99.0 L) and drinking of untreated water decreased by approximately 10%. Regression analyses revealed mothers with higher monthly incomes had the highest satisfaction levels (β=0.167, p<0.001). Positive impacts were strongest among wealthier groups. CONCLUSIONS: The small-scale community water supply dramatically affected user hygiene behaviours and daily life. Water supply access improved from 'no access' to 'basic access'. Household connections to a water supply and hygiene education are important steps to enhance community health.
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine water availability and community health before and after tube wells were introduced in a rural western Kenyan community. Differences in impact among income quintile groups were quantified, and users' perceptions of their water supply measured. METHODS: We conducted a two-part pre- (2009) and post-intervention (2011), cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires for mothers. RESULTS: In total, 1391 (576 in 2009 and 815 in 2011) mothers participated. Well introduction changed the households' drinking-water source from river to ground water. The median distance to the water source was reduced by 40% (500 to 300 metres) and median collection time was reduced by 50% (30 to 15 minutes). Water consumption per household increased by approximately 20% (from 82.6 to 99.0 L) and drinking of untreated water decreased by approximately 10%. Regression analyses revealed mothers with higher monthly incomes had the highest satisfaction levels (β=0.167, p<0.001). Positive impacts were strongest among wealthier groups. CONCLUSIONS: The small-scale community water supply dramatically affected user hygiene behaviours and daily life. Water supply access improved from 'no access' to 'basic access'. Household connections to a water supply and hygiene education are important steps to enhance community health.
Authors: Benjamin L Nygren; Ciara E O'Reilly; Anangu Rajasingham; Richard Omore; Maurice Ombok; Alex O Awuor; Peter Jaron; Fenny Moke; John Vulule; Kayla Laserson; Tamer H Farag; Dilruba Nasrin; James P Nataro; Karen L Kotloff; Myron M Levine; Gordana Derado; Tracy L Ayers; R Ryan Lash; Robert F Breiman; Eric D Mintz Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2016-02-29 Impact factor: 2.345