Abstract
The present study investigated associations between water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) factors and fatal and non-fatal drowning events in Bangladesh. Here, we report findings from a large household survey (89,700) conducted in Barisal Division of Bangladesh. Univariate analyses showed that the use of surface water rather than piped water was associated with an increased risk of both fatal and non-fatal drowning events. Additionally, increased risk of non-fatal drowning events was associated with shared toilet facilities, lack of toilet facilities and non-cemented flooring such as bamboo and wood. The WASH measures reduce the need to access exposure to open water, thus reducing drowning events.
Highlights
Previous works have largely overlooked possible associations between water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions with the incidence of fatal and non-fatal drowning
While the World Health Organization estimated that 74% of drowning events in low- and middle-income countries was attributable to environmental or occupational factors, which comprises a variety of causes including the lack of lifeguards and boating regulations (Meddings et al )
Drowning presents a large burden to mortality and morbidity in Bangladesh
Summary
Previous works have largely overlooked possible associations between water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions with the incidence of fatal and non-fatal drowning. Limited analysis has been conducted to date to understand how specific WASH facilities, such as drainage coverings and access to piped water, may influence the risk of drowning. This paper aimed to explore how WASH-related variables in Barisal Division, Bangladesh were associated with drowning.
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