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A Stepped Wedge, Cluster-Randomized Trial of a Household UV-Disinfection and Safe Storage Drinking Water Intervention in Rural Baja California Sur, Mexico

A Stepped Wedge, Cluster-Randomized Trial of a Household UV-Disinfection and Safe Storage Drinking Water Intervention in Rural Baja California Sur, Mexico

Publication Year:
2013
Authors:
Gruber, Joshua S.; Reygadas, Fermin; Arnold, Benjamin F.; Ray, Isha; Nelson, Kara; Colford, John M.
Language:
English
Affiliated Orgs.:
Fundacion Cantaro Azul
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Summary:
This study, in partnership with a non-profit, assessed the Mesita Azul, a UV-disinfection system for drinking water in rural Mexico. Over 15 months with 444 households across 24 communities, the system increased access to treated water (23–62%) and decreased Escherichia coli contamination. However, no significant reduction in diarrhea was observed. The study supports Mesita Azul’s promotion in areas with higher diarrhea prevalence.
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Resource Information

Abstract

In collaboration with a local non-profit organization, this study evaluated the expansion of a program that promoted and installed Mesita Azul, an ultraviolet-disinfection system designed to treat household drinking water in rural Mexico. We conducted a 15-month, cluster-randomized stepped wedge trial by randomizing the order in which 24 communities (444 households) received the intervention. We measured primary outcomes (water contamination and diarrhea) during seven household visits. The intervention increased the percentage of households with access to treated and safely stored drinking water (23–62%), and reduced the percentage of households with Escherichia coli contaminated drinking water (risk difference (RD): −19% [95% CI: −27%, −14%]). No significant reduction in diarrhea was observed (RD: −0.1% [95% CI: −1.1%, 0.9%]). We conclude that household water quality improvements measured in this study justify future promotion of the Mesita Azul, and that future studies to measure its health impact would be valuable if conducted in populations with higher diarrhea prevalence.

Resource Type

Journal Article

Publication Year

2013

Author

Gruber, Joshua S.; Reygadas, Fermin; Arnold, Benjamin F.; Ray, Isha; Nelson, Kara; Colford, John M.

Language

English

Organizational Affiliation

Fundacion Cantaro Azul

Relevant Country

Mexico

Specific Contaminants

Bacteria, Escherichia coli

Specific Solutions

Mesita Azul®

University Affiliation

University of California Berkeley

Business Connect Takeaways

The use of hollow fiber water filters can significantly improve the microbiological quality of stored household drinking water in rural Honduras
The effectiveness of hollow fiber water filters can be influenced by factors such as filter maintenance, user behavior, and water source quality
The implementation of hollow fiber water filter programs in low-income countries may face challenges related to user acceptance, behavior change, and sustainability of the intervention

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