KAP Regarding Handling, Storage, and Purification of Water among People Living in a Semi-Urban Community of Karachi, Pakistan

Main Article Content

Salima Farooq
Yasmin Parpio
Tazeen Saeed Ali
Nafeesa Dhalvani
Fazal Ather

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore knowledge, attitude and practices of the people regarding handling, storage, and purification of water, in a semi -Urban community of Karachi, Pakistan

 

Methodology: This study was conducted in Lalabad community located in Bin Qasim Town from October 2007 to December 2007. Forty participants were sampled through convenience sampling, with the inclusion criterion of 6 months of residence in Lalabad community. Data was obtained using a structured questionnaire comprising of 35 questions related to knowledge, attitude and practices of handling, storage, and purification of water in a semi -Urban community of Karachi, Pakistan

 

Results: Out of the 40 participants, 29 (72.5%) were illiterate, whereas, 11 (27.5%) could read and write. All participants reported a scarcity of water resources in the community. Around 87.5% participants agreed that use of unpurified water can cause diseases. However, only 15% of the participants boiled water for drinking purposes, 12.5% shared that they used other methods for purification of water such as filter, alum and tablets. Almost 97.5% participants agreed that hand washing is very important for maintenance of health.

Conclusion: This data shows the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the handling, storage, purification and use of water in semi -Urban community of Karachi, Pakistan. Effective interventions for community education and empowerment are needed to promote healthy practices regarding water sanitation.

 

Key words: water purification, water borne disease

Article Details

How to Cite
Farooq, Salima, et al. “KAP Regarding Handling, Storage, and Purification of Water Among People Living in a Semi-Urban Community of Karachi, Pakistan”. KHYBER MEDICAL UNIVERSITY JOURNAL, vol. 3, no. 1, Oct. 2011, pp. 4-9, https://www.kmuj.kmu.edu.pk/article/view/7837.
Section
Original Articles
Author Biographies

Salima Farooq

1Instructor, School of Nursing, The Aga Khan University

Yasmin Parpio

Senior Instructor, School of Nursing, The Aga Khan University

Tazeen Saeed Ali

Tazeen Saeed Ali
RM, BScN, MSc (Epidemiology), &
PhD Candidate at IHCAR, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Assistant Professor,
School of Nursing / Department of Community Health Sciences
Aga Khan University,Karachi, Pakistan
Phone number: 0092 - 213 - 4865460 / 4865439

Nafeesa Dhalvani

Registered Nurse, South city hospital Karachi

Fazal Ather

Medical Officer, Epidemiologist World Health Organization

Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Sudan