Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on the safe water chain maintenance among community members in Arembwola parish, Abim sub county, Abim District

Abstract

Background: Drinking unsafe water continues to contribute to the high prevalence of diarrheal diseases in low-income countries such as Uganda particularly in rural areas. In rural communities, the water supply is insufficient and highly contaminated. In a bid to combat the high prevalence of diarrheal and other water-related diseases, there is a need that safe water chain to be maintained by households. This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude and practices on the safe water chain maintenance among community members in Arembwola parish, Abim sub-county, Abim district, Uganda. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study carried out among 289 households in the rural areas of Arembwola parish, Abim sub-county, Abim district, Uganda. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered and coded where an analysis was performed. Results: Majority (288/99.7%) of the households collected their water from boreholes. Almost (285/98.6%) of the participants said they knew the dangers associated with drinking unsafe water, (285/98.6%) boiled drinking water, and (278/96.2%) used closed storage containers that minimize contamination of water. Conclusion: The study found out that about half of the respondents had no formal teaching about water chain management therefore; there is a need to improve the level of awareness about the importance of safe water chains among rural area communities. This when successfully done can minimize the easy contamination of water, reduce the risk of diarrheal and other water related diseases.