Promoting Household Water Treatment through Women's Self Help Groups in Rural India: Assessing Impact on Drinking Water Quality and Equity

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044068
• Publication Date: 2012-09-05T22:39:42Z
• Authors: Matthew C. Freeman; Victoria Trinies; Sophie Boisson; Gregory Mak; Thomas Clasen
• Keywords: Equity

Household water treatment, including boiling, chlorination and filtration, has been shown effective in improving drinking quality preventing diarrheal disease among vulnerable populations. We used a case-control study design to evaluate the extent which commercial promotion of household filters through microfinance institutions women's self-help group (SHG) members improved access safe water. This pilot program achieved 9.8% adoption rate women targeted for adoption. Data from surveys assays fecal contamination (thermotolerant coliforms, TTC) samples (source household) were analyzed 281 filter adopters 247 non-adopters exposed program; 251 non-SHG also surveyed. While more likely than have children under 5 years, they educated, less poor, supplies, previously filter. Adopters had lower levels non-adopters, even those who treated their by boiling or using traditional ceramic filters. Nevertheless, one-third adopter households exceeded 100 TTC/100ml (high risk), quarter no stored available when visited an investigator, raising concerns about correct, consistent use. In addition, poorest see improvements quality. Comparisons SHG suggest similar demographic characteristics, indicating are appropriate target this campaign. However, order increase potential health gains, future programs will need uptake, particularly most susceptible morbidity mortality, focus on strategies improve sustained use these treatment products.