Beliefs and behaviour related to water in rural Swaziland

Abstract

A knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey relating to water use and contact was conducted in rural Swaziland. A complementary qualitative survey reinforced and helped in the interpretation of KAP findings. Nearly two‐thirds of rural Swazis lacked access to protected drinking water. The most important independent variable determining “correct” beliefs and practices, from a public health standpoint, was the level of formal education achieved by the respondent or by another member of his or her immediate extended family.