HOUSE HOLD WATER TREATMENT PRACTICES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AT ADOLA REDE DISTRICT IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Household water treatment practices are crucial for providing safe water to millions of people in need. However, evidence on household water treatment practices and associated factors in Ethiopia, especially Southern Oromia, is limited. This study aims to assess these practices and factors among households in southern Ethiopia, focusing on the Guji zone Adola Rede district. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study in Adola Rede district involved 627 households, collected data using a structured questionnaire, and analyzed it using Epi data and SPSS. Statistically significant variables had P-values of ≤0.05. Results: This study revealed that the level of household water treatment practice was 61.6% with a 95% CI of 57.6%–65.6%, and chemical disinfection was the most common method of household water treatment in the study area. Of the potential factors associated with practicing household water treatment among the study participants, the age of the respondent (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.53-5.41) Receive health education on House hold water treatment practice (AOR =1.70, 95% CI = 1.10–2.65). Store water separately (AOR =4.61, 95% CI = 2.70–8.00) and fetch water frequently per day (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI = 1.80–800).Possessing radio (AOR = 4.23, 95% CI = 2.70–6.80) and having good knowledge about the importance of water treatment (AOR=6, 95% CI= 3.80-10.43) showed statistically significant associations. Conclusion: Adola Rede district's water treatment practice is low; Woreda Water Office and Health Office should design effective strategies, raise community awareness, and provide necessary materials for timely implementation. Key words: Household-level, water treatment practices, southern Ethiopia, Rural Adola rede.