Household drinking water management practices in urban and rural households in Dschang City, Cameroon

Abstract

Context: Consumption of water from dubious alternative sources or from improved sources contaminated during collection, transport, or storage presents significant health risks. This study aims to assess drinking water management practices in households in Dschang, a city faced with rapid urbanization and water infrastructure problems, compounding public health concerns. Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out between March and May 2023 in six neighborhoods of Dschang, Cameroon, including both urban and rural areas. A sample of 261 households was selected using a health inspection form based on WHO guidelines, using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess significant differences between areas, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The results show that jerrycans are the most commonly used containers for water storage, with a prevalence of 29% in rural areas and 64% in urban areas. In urban areas, 70% of households used containers considered unhygienic, compared with 55% in rural areas (p < 0.05). The drinking water storage environment was classified as unhygienic in 43% of urban households and 68% of rural households (p < 0.05). In addition, 45% of urban households and 70% of rural households used unhygienic utensils for water collection (p < 0.05). Containers without lids were frequently observed, representing 85% in urban areas versus 70% in rural areas (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These results highlight the factors contributing to the deterioration of drinking water quality in the home, and provide decision-makers with a basis for developing strategies to combat water-borne diseases. It is recommended that water distribution infrastructures be improved and that the population be made aware of good water management practices.