Determinants of Water Borne Diseases Among Communities of Zimbabwe. A Case Study of Chiredzi District, Masvingo Province, 2021

Abstract

The study was prompted by the reoccurrence of water borne diseases. For almost every year, the district experience a cholera outbreak. Chiredzi District is one of Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable districts to cyclones, droughts, water and sanitation related diseases outbreaks. Several interventions including public health promotion have been implemented in the District however; the vulnerability tag seems stuck on the district. Water and sanitation accessibility is a worrying global problem that disrupts progress in the fight against diarrheal diseases. The roles of women and girls ,youth and people living with disability in decision making and the extent of their involvement in to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) governance issues. In an attempt to answer the research questions, analytic cross-sectional research design was used employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The total number of participants was 183 from five wards that were under study in Chiredzi District .The participants were 131 (66.12%) females whist 62(33.88%) were males. Gender was not statistically associated with contacting water borne diseases the p value =0.023. Educational level being attained was associated with reduced contact of water borne diseases [COR: 0.26(95%CI: 0.19-0.37) p<0.001. On safe practises 168(92.31%) of respondents indicated that they wash hands at critical times only .Only 2(1.10 %) of respondents do not constantly wash their hands with soap and water. However, 12 (6.29%) indicated that they wash hands before and after eating food. The role of water collection proved to be a burden for women and girls at home. The adoption of safe practices like drawing water from safe sources, practicing household water treatment, and construction and safe use of sanitation facilities play critical role in reduction of water borne diseases. The study proved statistically the association of safe water source (p=0.003) and hand washing (p= 0.008) to reduction of waterborne diseases. Although the respondents are aware of the relationship between drinking poor quality water and diseases, they seem not to link the quality of water and the risk of water borne diseases, while more than half of the respondents believe that water quality can be improved, a very small proportion of households are taking measures to improve water quality. Despite the fact that women and girls are the major water users, they are poorly represented in positions of decision making in water governance .Women representation is at 20% ( 34) in chairing of water point committees. However, a few women are occupying key positions that enable them to take key decisions.