Water, Sanitation and Hygiene practices of rural women from West Bengal in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/b71jmw22Keywords:
WaSH practices, rural womenAbstract
Background
Sustainable Development Goal targeted equitable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) in women’s life. However, utilization in WaSH still does not reach optimal level in rural sector of India despite huge promotion of policies.
Objective
To understand water, sanitation and hygiene practices of rural women from the state of West Bengal.
Methods
The present cross-sectional study involved 252 women [88 from caste (PC women), 53 from tribal (PT women) group of rural part of Purulia; 111 from caste (HC women) group of rural part of Howrah] following purposive sampling technique. A pre-tested schedule was canvassed for collecting data on socio-demographic characteristics, water facilities, usage and associated issues, urination and defecation practices, menstrual health management. Descriptive statistics were performed. A sub-section of the participants was involved in group discussion.
Results
PC women reported scarcity of drinking water (89.7%), open site urination and defecation practice (97.9%), used clothes as menstrual absorbents (61.1%). PT women reported use of sanitary napkins (90%), could get access of household toilets (99.9%), nearby drinking water source (66.6%); however, 83.7% reported open site urination and defecation practice. HC women used household toilets (42.8%), nearby drinking water source (71.4%); reported habit of washing hands (89.5%) and private parts during menstruation (63.4%) along with frequent changing of menstrual absorbent (52.4%); however, unhygienic disposal of menstrual absorbent was practiced by HC women.
Conclusion
The study suggests that intervention programs could impart education for uprising knowledge and attitude towards adoption of healthy WaSH practices among rural women.
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