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Sonal Bindal

Teri School of Advanced Studies, India

Title: Knowledge, behaviour and practices (KBP) for arsenic contaminated drinking water in Bhojpur District, Bihar, India

Biography

Biography: Sonal Bindal

Abstract

Water is a fundamental human right, most valuable asset for human survival, economy and public health. The population of India is at a risk of arsenic (As) exposure associated with long-term exposure to the arsenic in groundwater. Almost 176 million people are at risk due to exposure to contaminated water. This study captures and assessed the knowledge, behaviour, and practices of people exposed to As unknowingly in the selected villages in Bihar which are exposed to arsenic contamination. The technique included information accumulation using a stratified questionnaire, an interaction with local block centers, health facilities and discussion with the school staff. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science 20. The study revealed that the level of knowledge about arsenic presence was relatively high (75±.04%), but knowledge on its source and routes was inadequate. The majority of the respondents had no knowledge when it comes severity of the diseases occurring due to arsenic contamination and their prevention (15±.57%). The awareness level about the exposure and duration was found to be low (19±.03%). The attitude and practice on protecting their source of drinking water was also found to be low (25±.45%). Some educated people from the economically higher backgrounds had proper drinking and cleaning facilities, but there was no awareness regarding lowering arsenic exposure. The borehole water quality dug by government for rural schools appeared to be cleaner with respect to arsenic contamination, but the microbial quality is unknown. Moreover, the water supply and community facilities were inadequate in rural areas, with no rainwater harvesting and low sanitation. Some households had toilets whose drainage were going open outside houses, which may contaminate the groundwater source. Moreover, they had broken doors which did not offer privacy. There was no government water supply scheme available in these villages, due to smaller household sizes.