Background: In low income countries, the Daily Adjusted Life Years
(DALYs) of unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene is 530/100,000 and is the
6th leading cause of death in children. Ghana, located in West Africa, is
greatly impacted by poor sanitation and unsafe water supply. The objective
of this study is to assess local water use and sanitation practices in the
Kwahu East district of Ghana and how they relate to diarrheal disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 236 households in
the Kwahu East district. It was divided into four sections: demographics,
water use practices, water related illness, and water related sanitation.
Prevalence data for certain variables were calculated and simple t-tests
compared difference in water practices for different demographic groups
based on gender, age, and education status.
Results: Surface water and pump-well/borehole were the main sources of
water for this area. Household demographics played a role in determining the
household water collector. Over 95% of the responders did not treat their
water. Moreover, gender, education, and age played significant roles in the
degree of knowledge about diarrheal disease. Conclusions: Gender, education, age, and household size are all key factors
that impact water practices. The results of this study can be used for the
development of culturally sustainable interventions directed towards the
improvement of access to safe drinking water, and in turn, reduce waterborne
illness.