Understanding Household Behavioral Risk Factors for Diarrheal Disease in Dar es Salaam
Author Information
Author(s): Natalie Badowski, Cynthia M. Castro, Maggie Montgomery, Amy J. Pickering, Simon Mamuya, Jennifer Davis
Primary Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What household practices contribute to water contamination and diarrheal disease in Dar es Salaam?
Conclusion
The study highlights significant gaps between knowledge and practice regarding safe water storage and hygiene, which contribute to the spread of diarrheal diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- Families were aware of the importance of hand washing but often did not practice it consistently.
- Many households reported using uncovered containers for drinking water, increasing contamination risk.
- Households categorized water for different uses but often did not treat drinking water adequately.
Takeaway
Moms in Dar es Salaam know how to keep water safe, but they often can't do it because it's too hard or too expensive.
Methodology
Qualitative, cross-sectional study using modified Photovoice methodology to explore daily activities of mothers in Dar es Salaam.
Potential Biases
Participants may have altered their behavior due to awareness of being observed (Hawthorne effect).
Limitations
The study's qualitative nature may introduce bias, and the small sample size limits generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Households with female heads aged 18-50 and at least one child under 5.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website