Targeting at risk households in Bangladesh exposed to arsenic contamination: a spatial analysis

ABSTRACT

This study seeks to identify the spatial risk pattern of households (HHs) exposed to arsenic contamination in Bangladesh by adjusting potential socio-economic, demographic factors. Data from Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2012–13 are used where hierarchical Bayesian spatial ordered logit model is implemented. The analysis shows that 25% of HH water samples were arsenic contaminated, although the majority (95%) of HHs used improved water sources. Arsenic contamination risk in the HH water was significantly associated with water source type and location, place of residence and districts. The model-based spatial prediction reveals that the north-east and south-west parts of Bangladesh have a high risk of contamination. To ensure the quality of HH water, our findings suggest that chemical test should be promoted considering the spatial risk of arsenic contaminations variations among HHs of Bangladesh. Furthermore, the study findings can effectively contribute in the planning of future interventions and programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Arsenic contamination
• household water
• spatial risk
• Bangladesh

Acknowledgments

We thank UNICEF, New York, for making these data available for our analysis. We also thank the respondents who participated in the survey.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest.

Ethics and consent

This study was based on analysis of existing secondary survey data from which all personally identifiable information of participants had been removed. Informed consent was taken from participants before participating in the survey.

Notes

1. Bottled water is considered as an improved water source only if the household is using an improved water source for handwashing and cooking.

2. UN Sustainable Development Goals. [(accessed on 3 March 2018)]. Available online: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-6-clean-water-and-sanitation/targets/.