Environmental Factors Associated With Common Water Borne Diseases among Al Shuka Rural Community in the Gaza Strip-Palestine

Abstract

Lack of sustainability of water supply and sanitation services are always considered as major issue in developing countries that accounts for high prevalence of water borne diseases. The aim of this study is to identify the environmental determinants and socio demographic factors of common water borne diseases among people of Al Shuka rural community in the Gaza Strip - Palestine. Cross-sectional study was conducted; the researcher utilized a combination between oral- administrated questionnaire, and observation checklist in addition to a number of some water quality chemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed to assess the quality of drinking water at Al Shuka area. A simple random sample technique was conducted to collect data. The study results concluded that about 34.6% of the study sample has suffered from diarrhea. While 54.8% of the study suffered from other waterborne disease which include dermal, colic and eyes diseases during last two weeks before filling the questionnaire. In term of drinking water quality, this study results demonstrate most of parameters (pH, EC, TDS, Chloride, Nitrate, Total Coliform and Fecal Coliform) were above the WHO standards for drinking water. Furthermore, water borne diseases found to be associated with different environmental factors and personal hygiene. Accordingly, safe and clean water supply should be ensured in order to cover people needs and protect their health. Also, conducting public awareness campaigns and behaviour change towards improving the surrounded environment, personal hygiene, cleanliness and sanitary programs should be ensured mainly in rural and vulnerable area of the Gaza Strip.