Anu Joseph,
Emil Mathew,
Bilvan Biju,
Delna Paul,
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, Caritas College of Nursing, Kerala, India
- Lecturer, Department of Community Health Nursing, Caritas College of Nursing, Kerala, India
- Student, Department of Community Health Nursing, Caritas College of Nursing, Kerala, India
- Student, Department of Community Health Nursing, Caritas College of Nursing, Kerala, India
Abstract
The study was conducted to assess water sanitation practices and the incidence of waterborne diseases among households in a selected ward of Koodalloor Panchayath, Kottayam, Kerala. The objectives were to assess the sources of household water, evaluate water sanitation and safety practices, and identify the incidence of waterborne diseases among family members during the previous year. A community-based descriptive study design was adopted. A total of 138 households were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-designed structured questionnaire that assessed household water sources, sanitation practices, the distance between water sources and septic tanks, water treatment practices, and the occurrence of waterborne diseases. The findings showed that 137 (99.2%) households had their own source of water. Among these households, all 137 (100%) reported having a covered water source, while 94 (68.6%) practiced chlorination of their water source annually. Regarding the safety distance between the water source and septic tank, 7 (5.1%) households had a distance of less than 15 metres, indicating a potential risk of contamination. Only 2 (1.4%) households reported the occurrence of waterborne diseases among family members during the previous year. The findings indicate that most households had access to protected water sources and practiced water treatment. However, gaps in safe distance between water sources and septic tanks and continued occurrence of waterborne diseases highlight the need for regular monitoring, health education, proper sanitation practices, and community awareness regarding safe drinking water and prevention of waterborne diseases.
Keywords: Water sanitation, waterborne disease incidence, households, sanitation practices, chlorination
[This article belongs to Journal of Nursing Science & Practice ]
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Journal of Nursing Science & Practice
| Volume | 16 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 07/07/2026 | |
| Accepted | 24/07/2026 | |
| Published | 30/07/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 23 Days |