Potable water supply among the physically challenged in selected homes for the disabled in Ibadan

Abstract

There is paucity of information on accessibility to potable water in homes for the disabled in Nigeria. This study investigated access to potable water among physically challenged people in three homes for the disabled in Ibadan. Sixty-four physically challenged persons living at the Cheshire Home (CH), Sekinat Adekola (SAC) and Lawal Centre (LC) were surveyed. Quantity of Drinking Water (QDW) received daily was compared to the WHO minimum requirement of 2.5 litres/head/day. Drinking water samples were analysed for total coliform (TCC) and Escherichia coli counts (ECC). Respondents’ ages were 22.4 ± 5.1 years in CH, 23.6 ± 7.4 years in SAC and 13.8 ± 5.6 years in LC. The QDW received was 5.3 ± 1.5 litres/head/day in CH, 4.5 ± 0.5 litres/head/day in SAC and 2.8 ± 0.8 litres/head/day in LC. Thirty-seven percent in CH, 55.0% in SAC and 22.0% in LC were very satisfied with QDW received. CH water had lower TCC (2.0 ± 0.6 cfu/100 mL) compared to SAC (378 ± 169.3 cfu/100 mL) and LC (357.3 ± 174.3 cfu/100 mL). Only LC water showed an ECC of 1.0 ± 0.4 cfu/100 mL. Not all individuals experienced adequate access within the homes. Water quality was poor across the homes and treatment was inadequate. Constant potable water is required for the well-being of disabled people in these homes.