Abstract
This study was conducted to quantify and compare the prevalence of waterborne bacterial diseases (WBBDs) in both exposed and unexposed clusters using biosand filters and evaluate performance, technical, and socio-economic limitations. This was an interventional comparative study completed in 18 months. Two socio-demographically similar clusters situated in Bukera Sharif, Tandoallahyar, Sindh were selected. Performance of biosand filters was evaluated using pre-coded semi-structured proforma, pre- and post-water samples, stool samples of symptomatic individuals for detailed reporting and culture sensitivity, and clinical checkups. Awareness sessions on hand hygiene and waterborne diseases were conducted in both clusters. A total of 632 individuals (90 households) were included in this study after explaining the rationale. Before interventions, the point prevalence was 31 % in exposed and 34 % in unexposed cluster (p value = 0.472). After interventions, the prevalence of new cases of WBBDs was decreased from 13.3 % in exposed cluster and 22.5 % in un-exposed cluster (p value = 0.002). Current study revealed that prevalence of WBBDs was noticeably reduced using biosand filters. Such decentralized home-based interventions may be lifelong and essential to curtail WBBD through public sensitization, behavior change, and monitoring.
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Sheikh, M.A., Ayaz Mustufa, M., Laghari, T.M. et al. Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases in Exposed and Unexposed Clusters Using Biosand Filters in a Rural Community, Sindh, Pakistan. Expo Health 8, 193–198 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12403-015-0189-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12403-015-0189-z