https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5990-7921
Dear editor
I read with great interest the study by Nadeem et al on “The Association between Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Child Underweight in Punjab, Pakistan”.Citation1 This research provides valuable insights into the critical relationship between WASH factors and child nutrition in a low-middle income setting. However, I would like to highlight some limitations and opportunities for future research.
The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences between WASH factors and underweight status. Longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the temporal relationships and long-term impacts.Citation2 Additionally, while the study controlled for several confounders, unmeasured factors like dietary intake, food security, and healthcare access could influence the observed associations.Citation3
The use of binary categorizations for WASH variables (improved vs unimproved) may oversimplify the complex nature of these exposures. Future research could benefit from more nuanced measures of water quality, sanitation adequacy, and hygiene behaviors.Citation4 Furthermore, the study did not assess the consistency and proper use of WASH facilities, which are crucial for realizing their health benefits.
While the population attributable fraction (PAF) analysis provides useful policy insights, it assumes a causal relationship and full reversibility of risk, which may not hold true for complex nutritional outcomes.Citation5 Caution is warranted in interpreting these estimates.
Despite these limitations, this study makes a significant contribution to understanding the WASH-nutrition nexus in Pakistan. The findings underscore the importance of integrating WASH interventions with nutrition programs to address child undernutrition comprehensively. Future research should explore the mechanisms linking WASH to nutritional outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of integrated interventions.
In conclusion, Nadeem et al have provided valuable evidence to inform policies aimed at reducing child undernutrition in Punjab. As research in this field progresses, addressing the highlighted limitations will further strengthen our understanding of how WASH impacts child nutrition in low-resource settings.
Disclosure
The author reports no conflicts of interest in this communication.
References
- Nadeem M, Anwar M, Adil S, Syed W, Al-Rawi MBA, Iqbal A. The association between water, sanitation, hygiene, and child underweight in Punjab, Pakistan: an application of population attributable fraction. JMDH. 2024;17:2475–2487. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S461986
- Dangour AD, Watson L, Cumming O, et al. Interventions to improve water quality and supply, sanitation and hygiene practices, and their effects on the nutritional status of children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;8:CD009382. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009382.pub2
- Bekele T, Rawstorne P, Rahman B. Effect of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions alone and combined with nutrition on child growth in low and middle income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2020;10(7):e034812. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034812
- Freeman MC, Stocks ME, Cumming O, et al. Systematic review: hygiene and health: systematic review of handwashing practices worldwide and update of health effects. Trop Med Int Health. 2014;19(8):906–916. doi:10.1111/tmi.12339
- Rothman KJ, Greenland S, Lash TL. Modern Epidemiology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008.