Psychological and Situational Variables Associated with Objective Knowledge on Water-Related Issues in a Northern Spanish City.

Elena Andrade,Sergio Vila-Tojo,Cristina Gómez-Román,Gloria Seoane,Jose-Manuel Sabucedo

doi:10.3390/ijerph18063213

Abstract

This study brings together the level of objective knowledge on water-related issues and other variables of psychological and situational nature. A random sample of 459 participants was employed, selected proportionally based on sex and age. In this sample, knowledge on the water-related issues tended to be low, particularly related to the direct source of water in the household, the type of services involved in the management, and consumption itself. In order to understand both the relationship with knowledge on water and the relative importance of all the other factors, a regression model was formulated. The highest standardised effect was for sex, followed by occupation, political leaning, and water-related emotions. The best level of knowledge was attained if the residents were male, if they were actively employed or unemployed, if their political leaning was towards the left, and if they demonstrated greater emotional involvement with the water use. Consequently, the design of programmes would need to consider that the information flow must be greater for citizens as a whole, particularly for certain groups such as women and students. It should contribute to the realistic perception of water as a problem and to seek emotional involvement.

Highlights

Guaranteeing suitable water services in urban areas, characterised by a burgeoning residential demand, is one of the greatest challenges faced by local authorities [1]
Recent research emphasises a second and highly important perspective, sometimes referred to as “demand management” [2,4]. This latter approach is inspired by progress made explaining the water use behaviour rather than technological solutions or on infrastructure
This paper presents a comprehensive investigation, which brings together knowledge on water-related issues and other important variables into one single analysis model

Summary

Introduction

Guaranteeing suitable water services in urban areas, characterised by a burgeoning residential demand, is one of the greatest challenges faced by local authorities [1]. There have been several ways in which those responsible for water management have attempted to reduce this demand in the urban setting. Technological solutions address what has been referred to as “supply management” and account for an important section of the literature [2]. Recent research emphasises a second and highly important perspective, sometimes referred to as “demand management” [2,4]. This latter approach is inspired by progress made explaining the water use behaviour rather than technological solutions or on infrastructure

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion