Assessment of Household Management Practices of Drinking Water in Two Selected Rural Communities of Plateau State

Abstract

Background: Understanding how drinking water is managed in rural households that lack access to improved water sources is necessary for designing effective strategies that can meet their drinking water requirements. This study aimed to assess the drinking water management practices of rural households in two selected communities of Plateau State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Plateau State among 202 female caregivers of under-five children residing in households of two rural communities who were selected using a multistage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to obtain information on water sources, collection, storage and treatment practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Bivariate analysis was done to identify factors associated with household water treatment practice followed by logistic regression to determine predictors. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Mean age of respondents was 32.5±12.3 years. Nearly half (48%) of the households obtained drinking water from unimproved sources and 18.3% treated water at home which were mainly inappropriate methods. About 75% always stored drinking water separately from other uses while 64% stored water for over 3days. Only 51% were observed to store water in clean containers. Independent predictors of household water treatment were perception of drinking water safety (AOR=4.6; 95%CI: 2.1–10.3) and encouragement to treat water within the community (AOR=16.7; 95%CI: 2.1 – 28.5). Conclusion: There is a need to educate and encourage the rural populace on appropriate water management methods while efforts are being made to increase access to improved sources.