Knowledge regarding Water Borne Diseases and its Prevention

Poor sanitation and unhygienic water consumption leads huge burden of waterborne illnesses such as diarrheal disease, cholera, typhoid etc. Approximately 88% of diarrheal diseases are attributed to unsafe water supply, inadequate sanitation and hygiene.

The objectives of the study were to identify the existing knowledge regarding prevention of water borne diseases and to find association between level of knowledge on water borne diseases and selected socio demographic variables. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive study design was used and the respondents were selected by enumerate sampling technique. About 150 samples participated in the study. Data was collected by structured knowledge questionnaire. Results: Majority of the 46% samples were in the age group of 13 years. Most of the 42.4% samples who participated in the study were studying in 7^th class. About 31.8% mothers's education was secondary & senior secondary and about 38% of the father's were graduate & post graduate. It was found that majority of the 67% students had average knowledge regarding water borne diseases. There was significantly no association found between level of knowledge regarding water borne diseases and selected demographic variables (age, education status of the parents and previous knowledge regarding water borne diseases). Conclusion: School going children had average knowledge regarding water borne diseases. It is recommended to conduct awareness programme among school going children regarding water borne diseases and its prevention.