This research project investigates the current status of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Munshiganj District, Bangladesh. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and a reconnaissance survey. Findings reveal that 30% of individuals rely on surface water (hand-tube wells, rivers, and ponds), prioritized as canal > river > pond, while 70% depend on groundwater (subterranean electric motor, deep tube-well). Drinking water is generally sufficient, with 95% reporting adequacy throughout the year. About 45% use hand tube-well water, 28% use deep tube-well water, and 11% use supply tap water for various purposes. Bathing trends include underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river, while for cooking, the order is underground water through electric motor > pond > hand tube-well water > river. Toilet water supply ranks as supply tap water > hand tube-well water > deep tube-well water. Although sanitation awareness is high, some lack knowledge of good hygiene practices. After defecating, handwashing methods include soap, ash, soil, or water. Children’s waste disposal varies, with some discarding it in open areas. Approximately 40% suffer from diseases like Diarrhoea due to unsafe water, primarily affecting children and elders. Training exists, but a significant portion lacks sanitation education. Dry skin or exposure to cold water may cause temporary irritation. Local government involvement in sanitation efforts is less active compared to non-governmental organizations. Results emphasize the need to enhance community awareness of safe water supplies and sanitation practices.
Due to the combined effects of rising living standards, economic development, and population growth, there is a rapid increase in the need for sanitary services and water supplies. There is continual budgetary pressure for more resource allocation to fulfill the growing demand for these services in both rural and urban areas because of their contributions to the economy and welfare as well as their political consequences. In Bangladesh, the previous few decades have seen remarkable progress in the fields of sanitation and water provision. Approximately 98% of rural pollinators and nearly all urban residents currently have access to water from taps, ring wells, or tubewells [
Apart from arsenic, another issue impeding the advancement of safe water access is the infiltration of saline water into coastal areas elevated iron concentration issues in rocky and steep locations and a decline in the groundwater level during the dry season. The majority of these issues are local in origin and restrict access to clean water sources. For instance, if the present downward trend in the groundwater table persists [
Compared to the water supply sector, the sanitation industry is progressing far more slowly. The percentage of people who used sanitary latrines rose from 1% in 1971 to 16% in 1990 and almost 40% in 1997. Since 1993, the trend appears to have leveled off, with between 30 and 40 percent of people using sanitary latrines [
The present research aims to address several specific objectives related to water supply, sanitation, health, and hygiene in a selected area. Firstly, the study seeks to evaluate the existing water supply problems and assess the extent of water supply coverage in the region. Additionally, it aims to examine the sanitation coverage to understand the prevailing sanitary conditions. The research also endeavors to identify the types of diseases affecting the rural population in the selected area, shedding light on health challenges faced by the community. Furthermore, an investigation into the current hygiene practices is undertaken to gain insights into the habits and behaviors that contribute to overall well-being. By focusing on these objectives, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the water, sanitation, health, and hygiene dynamics in the specified locality, contributing valuable insights for potential improvements and interventions.
Munshiganj, located in the Meghna River delta, was chosen for this study due to its size, location, and habitation type. Covering 1004 km2 and divided into 67 union parishads, the region faces socio-economic challenges, with a predominantly subsistence-level population experiencing poverty, unemployment, and low literacy. Inadequate latrine conditions, marked by the deterioration of components like rings, slabs, and water seals due to subpar materials, contribute to unsanitary conditions, particularly impacting children’s health. The selection of Munshiganj aims to shed light on these issues and guide potential interventions (see
The research focused on Munshiganj district, selecting rural unions and employing simple random sampling to choose 20 villages for investigation. A total of 400 (Samples) homes were surveyed through household interviews, employing a questionnaire designed to align with the research objectives. The questionnaire covered various aspects, including water supply, cleanliness standards, and related topics, with an emphasis on clarity and understanding. Field surveys complemented the household interviews, providing insights into the actual situation, though acknowledging the potential for respondents to exhibit best practices.
Additionally, a Focus Group Discussion was conducted to explore specific research questions, with participants selected based on relevant knowledge and experience. Observations during the survey period, recorded through non-participatory observation, offered additional insights. Secondary data collection involved utilizing official and non-official documents, including publications, research papers, and reports. Data processing and analysis utilized statistical software such as Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS-26 ensuring the relevance, reliability, and validity of the results. The field survey design aimed to assess the environmental conditions, water supply, sanitary facilities, and health status in the coastal region, employing a questionnaire survey and non-participatory observation to gather data.
Surveyed household respondents were categorized into three age groups: 22% aged 17 - 22, 61% aged 23 - 45, and 17% aged 45 and above; a majority displayed limited awareness of sanitation and hygiene practices (see
| Age | Number of the Respondents | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Year - 22 Year | 88 | 22% |
| 23 Year - 45 Year | 244 | 61% |
| Above 45 Year | 68 | 17% |
The
Surveyed families predominantly use modern upgraded latrines 60%, followed by pit latrines 35%, and a minority resorting to open or hanging latrines 3% or water bodies 2%. Modern latrines reflect improved hygiene, while pit latrines are semi-improved. Awareness has reduced the use of low-improved latrines, and 82% of households have access to latrines, with 47% practicing clean usage (see
The
Above
| Educational Qualification | Number of Respondent | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 88 | 22% |
| Secondary | 148 | 37% |
| Higher Secondary | 28 | 7% |
| Illiterate | 136 | 34% |
| Occupations of Respondent | Number of Respondent | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Student | 228 | 57% |
| Farmer | 44 | 11% |
| Housewife | 104 | 26% |
| Business | 24 | 6% |
Residents primarily use hand-tube wells and rivers for drinking and cooking, necessitating water purification. Water filtration is the most common method (85%), followed by boiling (10%), and bleaching (5%) (see
For bathing purpose, most used water is underground water through electric motor which is around 70%. Following that, only 20% water is being used from pond. Only 5% deep tube-well water is being used (see
Above
Above
The
Children, lacking hygiene awareness, are mainly impacted by water, sanitation, and hygiene-related illnesses due to inconsistent handwashing and hygiene habits (see
The primary cause of sickness, according to respondents, is poor hygiene habits, identified by 80%, followed by food poisoning at 15%, and other causes at 5% (see
Water-related issues are identified as the primary cause of skin illnesses by 65% of respondents, followed by poor hygiene habits at 25%, and other factors at 10%, according to the data in figure (see
The findings of this research shed light on the current state of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices in Munshiganj District, Bangladesh. The predominance of reliance on groundwater sources, particularly subterranean electric motor and deep tube-wells, by 70% of the population indicates a significant dependence on these sources for daily water needs. This aligns with previous studies highlighting the widespread use of groundwater in Bangladesh due to its accessibility and presumed safety [
The overall adequacy of drinking water reported by 95% of the respondents throughout the year is a positive indication of the region’s water availability. However, the disparity in water sources for various purposes, such as hand tube-well water being predominantly used for bathing and cooking, raises questions about the allocation and distribution of water resources for different needs. Similar variations in water source preferences for different purposes have been noted in other studies [
The prevalence of diseases like Diarrhoea affecting approximately 40% of the population, particularly children and elders, due to unsafe water underscores the urgent need for interventions to improve water quality. Similar health implications associated with unsafe water sources have been extensively documented, emphasizing the broader public health implications [
In summary, the field survey conducted in Munshiganj District, Bangladesh, uncovered significant challenges regarding access to safe water and sanitation for many households in the area. Although there has been progress in providing water sources like tube wells and piped water, a considerable number of households still lack access to safe drinking water. While most households have sanitary latrines, the proper disposal of fecal matter and the maintenance of hygienic practices are areas of concern. The survey also highlighted the need for increased awareness and education on the importance of safe water and sanitation practices, especially among children and in schools. Addressing these challenges will require a collaborative effort involving government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to enhance infrastructure, raise awareness, and promote healthy behaviors. Through coordinated action, it is feasible to ensure that all households in Munshiganj District enjoy access to safe water and sanitation, contributing to a healthier and more prosperous future.
The author completed a study project with faith and devotion, thanks to instructor Samsunnahar Popy, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science & Disaster Management, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University.
All co-authors have been involved in all stages of this study while preparing the final version. They all agree with the results and conclusions.
No external funding is received for this article.
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Not applicable.
Hoque, J., Islam, R., Rahman, Md.M., Rabbani, Md.G., Reja, Md.S., Soykat, S.R., Raiyan, S., Emon, Md.S.A. and Khan, S. (2024) Rural Resilience: A Comprehensive Study on Water Supply, Sanitation, Disease Patterns, and Hygiene Practices in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. Journal of Environmental Protection, 15, 63-75. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2024.151005