Water Insecurity and Its Impact on Health: Lived Experiences from Rawalpindi, Pakistan

• DOI: 10.5296/jsr.v16i1.22243
• Publication Date: 2024-11-02T05:30:36Z
• Authors: Muhammad Asif; Bilqees Fatima; Pulsie Handunmali...; Muhammad Abbas

Water insecurity, characterized by poor water quality and limited access to safe water, is a leading contributor health hazards globally, yet its specific impacts remain underexplored in Pakistan. This qualitative study investigates the perceived consequences of insecurity Rawalpindi, Pakistan, focusing on communities New Lalazar Gorakhpur. Using ethnographic methods, including participant observation semi-structured interviews with 80 purposively sampled individuals, uncovers prevalent perceptions waterborne diseases, primarily gastrointestinal disorders like dysentery, diarrhea, cholera, alongside dermatological issues such as rashes itching. The high salt concentration local believed cause premature aging symptoms, grey hair, hair loss, blood pressure, kidney stones, excessive phlegm production. Psychological stress stemming from financial time burden securing further exacerbates community’s challenges. research highlights dual impact physical illness psychological distress, both intensified region.