Examination of daily water consumption behaviors of individuals living in a semi-rural area

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to investigate water consumption behaviors and related factors in the summer period of the population over the age of 15 who apply to family health centers in the semi-rural region. Methods The universe of this cross-sectional study consisted of adult patients who applied to community health centers of a region in Malatya. A questionnaire was applied to random 303 individuals about sociodemographic information and water and other fluid consumption and water use behavior.And also Chrobach alpha coefficient of 0.83, the validity adopted in Turkey Likert type consisting of 16 questions Water Consumption Behavior Scale-16 (WCBS) was used for data collection. Scale score height is considered good. In the analysis of the data; Mann Whitney-U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. P < 0.05 was chosen as the level of error. Results 49.8% of the participants were male and 64.4% were married. The median daily drinking water consumption of the individuals was 2000 ml (320 ml-1000 ml) and the median daily liquid consumption was 3300 ml (718ml-17001ml). There was no significant difference between age groups, marital status and education level and daily water and other fluid consumptions (p > 0,05). 48.8% of individuals stated that they saved water and the most important reason for this was the high level of water consumption prices.In our study, there was no significant difference between gender, place of residence and number of households and total WCBS scale score.(p > 0,05). But the married individuals' scale score were significantly higher than the single individuals (p < 0,05) Conclusions Water and fluid consumption of individuals are at moderate levels in the region. Marital status was most important factor influencing the water consumption behaviors has been found in this study.When the most important factors in saving water are examined, the high price water bills were noteworthy. Key messages In order to ensure correct water consumption the society should be informed, the necessary sensitivity should be performed to behavioral change and measures should be taken. Adequate daily water consumption is required to protect the health of individuals.