A Multidimensional Measurement of the Health Impact of Community-Based Water Treatment Systems in Uganda

Publication Year:

2015

Authors:

Language:

Affiliated Orgs.:

Resource Type:

Journal Article

Summary:

Proposes a multidimensional approach to measuring water poverty, which takes into account not only access to clean water but also factors such as water quality, reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

Share to:

Resource Information

Abstract

Using a unique combination of ethnographic methods, healthcare facility chart reviews, and individual waterborne parasite tests, the health impacts of providing water treatment systems for communities in Uganda are compared to the impact measured using identical water technology and similar research methods in Honduras. While self-reported diarrhea rates improved in the Ugandan test communities when compared to controls, no significant impact was detected in any of the other measures. This contrasts sharply with findings in Honduras where all measures demonstrated statistically significant improvement after installation of identical water treatment systems. Ongoing ethnographic work reveals that knowledge of waterborne pathogens was universal in both Uganda and Honduras while practices related to water consumption varied greatly. Additional factors effecting these outcomes will be discussed.

Resource Type

Journal Article

Publication Year

2015

Author

Language

Organizational Affiliation

Relevant Country

Specific Contaminants

University Affiliation

Business Connect Takeaways

Traditional indicators for WASH programs, such as access to improved water sources and sanitation facilities, do not capture the full range of factors that influence WASH outcomes. A multidimensional measurement approach is needed to capture the complex interactions between different factors and to identify areas for improvement.

A multidimensional measurement approach should include both objective and subjective indicators, such as water quality testing and surveys of community members. This can help to identify gaps in service delivery and to ensure that WASH programs are meeting the needs of the community.

A multidimensional measurement approach should be tailored to the specific context and goals of the WASH program. This may involve selecting different indicators or weighting them differently depending on the local context. It is also important to involve community members in the design and implementation of the measurement approach to ensure that it is culturally appropriate and relevant to their needs.