The prevalence of diarrhoea and drinking water quality in Darbandikhan city, Iraq

Abstract

Water pollution in Iraq has been accused to be the reason of many infections and outbreaks. The causes of the pollution itself could be related to environment, human made and wastes. The aim of this study is to determine the quality of drinking water and the bacteriological characteristics of water in Darbandikhan city. One hundred and sixty-six water samples, collected from the different sources were tested for the presence of coliform bacteria as an indicator for pathogen contamination. Most probable number index was used for coliform enumeration. Samples were collected from one hundred and sixty-one diarrhoeal patients admitted to the general hospital in Darbandikhan district. The questionnaires designed to review characteristics of diarrhoeal cases were administered to patients alongside oral interviews. The data were analyzed by STATA software application. Forty-six percent (46%) of the diarrhoeal cases used tap water as source of drinking water, while the reminder (54%) used other sources of water for the same purpose. All the risk factors such as water source, quantity of the water, duration of water storage and chlorination were associated with diarrhoea. Almost half of the cases were children and three quarter were adults. This study indicated that the majority of water sources in Darbandikhan city are not suitable for drinking; although net pipe system supplied chlorine significantly, it has been proven that the tap water from the homes is not suitable for consumption.