Consistent point-of-use water chlorination among households using unimproved water sources and treatment preference in Eastern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

A consistent and correct use of water treatment options is fundamental for health gain from point-of-use water chlorination. In Ethiopia, empirical evidence about the consistent use and preference for by end users is scarce. The current study is intended to explore these issues using Waterguard and Bishan Gari in Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected every 2 week for 4 months and analyzed using mixed effects logistic regression. Of 377 households, 31% consistently used Waterguard and Bishan Gari in all the study waves. Product use over time within a household varied based on the perception about the products and the type of products each household received. From the exit assessment, 56% of households stated a preference for Waterguard significantly different from 5.6% of households that stated a preference for Bishan Gari. An intervention for consistent use beyond their availability and accessibility to end users is needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Household water treatment

Acknowledgment

This study was conducted with the financial support of Addis Ababa University, Federal Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Electricity and Bishan Gari Industry PLC. The findings in this paper are those of authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of specified offices. We would also like to thank employees in the surveillance site, regional and zonal health bureaus for their cooperation. We appreciate Nardos Asegid, a medical laboratory professional from a college of health and medical science, Haramaya University, for his assistance during water quality testing.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Notes

1. Abdulaziz Ibro is the one who was in charge of coordinating the water sanitation and hygiene program in the East Hararghe zone during the data collection and was asked about the situation during the baseline assessment.

Additional information

Funding

This study was conducted with the financial support of Addis Ababa University, Federal Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Electricity and Bishan Gari Industry PLC.