Effect of women’s perceptions and household practices on children’s waterborne illness in a low income community

El Azar GE … [et al.] (2009). Effect of women’s perceptions and household practices on children’s waterborne illness in a low income community. Ecohealth. Published online: 06 June 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s10393-009-0239-8

Author abstract: An ecosystem approach to human health was adopted in a community-based study carried out in Bebnine, an underserved town in Lebanon. The objective of the study is to examine the association between women’s household practices and diarrhea among children in a setting where contaminated drinking water and intestinal diseases are common. A total of 280 women were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected on 712 children between the ages of 6 and 14. The study instrument included determinants of diarrhea such as sociodemographic characteristics, water, sanitation, hygiene practices, gender variables, and behavioral risk factors. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to examine the association between water handling practices and diarrhea. The prevalence of diarrhea is 5%. Female children are more likely to suffer from diarrhea than male children (OR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.19-5.62). Treatment of drinking water at the household level and the use of drinking water for cooking and the preparation of hot beverages are protective against diarrhea (OR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03-0.65). Female caretakers’ behaviors such as daily bathing and seeking medical care at times of illness are protective against diarrhea in children. The findings suggest that diarrhea is a gendered health problem. Female children, who are generally more involved in household activities than male children, are at higher risk of suffering from diarrhea. Female caretakers’ personal hygiene, household practices, and perceptions of diarrhea are additional risk factors. Intervention activities would be more effective if based on a better understanding of gender roles and household power relations.

Contact: Rima R. Habib, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, e-mail: rima.habib [at] aub.edu.lb

The spring of Bebnine is the main source of potable water for the community’s household use. Photo: Mohamed Ramzy (CDS)

Related case study: Ramzy, M. (2007) Combating diarrhea in rural Lebanon : understanding water, understanding health : the case of Bebnine. Beirut, Lebanon, CoPEH-MENA, American University of Beirut. Download PDF file

Hidden Kitchen Germs Threaten Families

International Study Shows Nearly 90 Percent of Sponges and Half of Sinks Harbor High Levels of Illness-Causing Bacteria.

PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 25, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Nearly half of all kitchen sinks harbor high levels of potentially dangerous bacteria, according to a new international study released today, sponsored by LYSOL(R) brand products [and conducted by the Hygiene Council]. In fact, investigators swabbing for bacteria in the United States and around the world found that 46 percent of kitchen sinks – which families use for everything from bathing babies to washing pet food dishes – harbor unsatisfactory or heavily contaminated levels of bacteria, including E. coli, which can cause urinary tract infections, pneumonia and diarrhea. Surprisingly, the kitchen sink hosts more germs than the bathroom sink, the refrigerator door handle or even the toys that our toddlers chew on.

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The Hygiene Council is comprised of leading infectious disease specialists from around the globe and is now in its third year working to dispel myths about germs and educate consumers about basic hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing, food handling and regular surface disinfection. For the 2008 Hygiene Council study, investigators examined more than 1,120 household surfaces in seven countries around the world (Germany, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States) to look for bacteria and learn more about families’ hygiene habits.

Read more: PRNewswire / MarketWatch, 25 Jun 2008