Objective
To study the association of drinking water with water related diseases in Rawalpindi ans Islamabad area.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad over a period of two months from July 2007 to August 2007. A total of 55 individuals were included in the study by convenience sampling. Of these 55 study participants, 30 were from Rawalpindi and 25 from Islamabad. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire.
Results
Of the total respondents, 42% used tap water, 33% boiled water,16% filtered water, 5% well water and 4% mineral water while none of them used chlorinated water. 69.8% respondents suffered from water related diseases. 38.18% people were post-graduate while 8.63% people were illiterate. 75% respondents belonged to middle socio-economic class. 59% used domestic water disinfection techniques due to health education or awareness while the disinfection techniques used by 10% following information attained from campaigns. 94% people were healthy with the type of drinking water consumed while only 6% were dissatisfied. Dysentery was found to be the commonest water related disease among 70% respondents. People consuming mineral water did not suffer from any water related diseases.
Conclusion
Use of tap water without disinfection lead to developement of water related diseases.
Key words: Chlorinated water, Disinfection techniques, Dysentery.
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