A study on the consumption of safe drinking water and its determinants using the weighted multinomial logistic model

Abstract

Abstract This study introduces a novel approach by incorporating weighted analyses along with unweighted to comprehensively examine the decision-making processes related to drinking water sources and treatment in Pakistani households, utilizing 2018 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) data for weighted descriptive statistics and weighted multinomial logistic models. This research uncovers distinct preferences between urban and rural regions, with urban areas favoring piped water and rural areas relying on surface water and unprotected wells. The age of the household head, household size, media exposure, education, women's empowerment, and wealth are identified as crucial factors influencing these choices. Furthermore, this study delves into household water treatment (HWT) adoption and finds varying rates among rural and urban areas, with household head age and education level playing pivotal roles. Remarkably, household size and media exposure exhibit no significant impact on HWT adoption. The incorporation of weighted and unweighted analyses enriches the understanding of safe drinking water preferences, highlighting regional disparities and influential factors in water source and treatment method adoption within Pakistani households.