Contribution of water pollution from inadequate sanitation and housing quality to diarrheal disease in low-cost housing settlements of Cape Town, South Africa

Govender T.; Barnes J.M.; Pieper C.H.

Contribution of water pollution from inadequate sanitation and housing quality to diarrheal disease in low-cost housing settlements of Cape Town, South Africa

Date

2011

Authors

Govender T.

Barnes J.M.

Pieper C.H.

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated the effects of failing sanitation, poor housing conditions, and fecal pollution in runoff water on the health-particularly the incidence of diarrheal disease-of residents of low-cost housing settlements in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: In November 2009, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with structured interviews in 4 communities (n=336 dwellings; 1080 persons). We used Colilert defined-substrate technology to determine Escherichia coli levels in runoff water samples taken from the study communities. Results: Almost 15% of households disposed of soiled products in storm water drains and 6% disposed of soiled products in the street. In only 26% of the dwellings were toilets washed daily. Approximately 59% of dwellings lacked a tap near the toilet for hand washing, and 14% of respondents suffered 1 or more attacks of diarrhea in the 2 weeks preceding their interview. E.coli counts of runoff environmental water samples ranged from 750 to 1580000000 per 100 milliliters. Conclusions: A holistic and integrated approach is needed to improve housing quality and sanitation among Cape Town's low-income citizens.

Keywords

adolescent, adult, article, chi square distribution, child, cross-sectional study, diarrhea, female, housing, human, interview, male, microbiology, middle aged, poverty, questionnaire, sanitation, sewage, South Africa, standard, statistics, water pollution, Adolescent, Adult, Chi-Square Distribution, Child, Cross-Sectional Studies, Diarrhea, Female, Housing, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, Poverty, Questionnaires, Sanitation, South Africa, Waste Disposal, Fluid, Water Microbiology, Water Pollution, Young Adult

Citation

American Journal of Public Health
101
7
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