AN APPRAISAL OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES AND WATERBORNE DISEASES AMONG CHILDREN IN NANKANA SAHIB CITY, PUNJAB

Abstract

Access to safe potable water supplies is a fundamental human right and essential for
a healthy living. The present study was an attempt to assess the association of drinking water sources
and resulting waterborne diseases among the children of Nankana Sahib city, Punjab, Pakistan. A total
of 440 households from the study area were surveyed during July 2014 to October 2014. The collected
data was analyzed by chi-square test to find out the relationship between waterborne diseases and
sources of drinking water. The results showed that bore water (62.5 %) and public supply (22.05%)
were the main drinking water sources. Diarrhea (40.4%) and Gastroenteritis (23.5%) were the most
common diseases. 59.6% and 29.4% waterborne infections were found among those using water and
public supply for drinking purpose. The results for chi-square revealed strong association between
drinking water sources and waterborne infections. It was concluded that use of boiled water and
improved sanitation conditions can reduce the prevalence and incidence of waterborne diseases among
children.