Work

Changing water-use patterns in a water-poor area: Lessons for a trachoma intervention project

Year: 1990

Type: article

Abstract: An epidemiological survey carried out in the Dodoma region of Tanzania found that high rates of trachoma infection in pre-school children were associated with unwashed faces. Prior to a planned trachoma intervention project, a pilot study was done on household decisions about water use and perceptions about face washing and eye disease. The study found that mothers overestimated the amount of water necessary to wash a child's face. In addition, mothers would not change their water-use priorities without the consent of their husbands and the support of the community. Therefore a health education program was designed to address the perception that face washing required a great deal of water. The program also sought to involve and re-educate the whole community rather than focus only on the mothers who were most likely to wash the children's faces.

Source: Social Science & Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/0277-9536(90)90129-g

Authors: Ann P. McCauley, Matthew Lynch, Moses B. Pounds, Sheila West

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, Baltimore

Language: English

Topic: Child Nutrition and Water Access

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,800