Water and sanitation access are fundamental to human health and well-being. Globally, inadequate access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities has been linked to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, and dysentery. Despite efforts by governments, NGOs, and development affiliates to meet this need, there is still a gap in identifying the determinant factors that affect water accessibility in Setegn Meda informal settlement in Ethiopia. To promote sustainable water access for all, It is vital to understand and address factors that come into play. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the determinants influencing water access in regions like Setegn Meda in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The target population was 600 households, with a sample study size of 200 households obtained from Setegn Meda. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, where: percentages and frequencies analysis tests were computed. The study observed that education level, employment status, and monthly household income significantly influenced water access. The results revealed significant disparities in the socioeconomic characteristics of households, including income variability. The median household monthly income was 3,500 Ethiopian Birr, with a range from 0 to 30,000 Birr. Educational attainment levels varied, with 23% of respondents without formal education. Among the 77% with formal education, 33% completed primary education, 34% completed secondary education, and only 10% attended tertiary education. Employment status also varied, with 23% employed in the formal sector, 30% in informal employment, 25% unemployed, and 22% in subsistence farming or household duties. Despite the fact that over 90% of the respondents reported using tap water, water accessibility in Setegn Meda was found to be inadequate according to WHO and UNICEF guidelines, with challenges in both quality and quantity. There were significant associations between water treatment practices and the prevalence of water-related diseases (χ2= 9.773, p = 0.021), and between primary water sources and disease prevalence (χ2 = 3.494, p = 0.010). Typhoid fever was the most commonly reported water-related disease, followed by cholera affecting all age groups. The rank correlation value for these diseases was 0.68 (p < 0.01), indicating a strong relationship between inadequate water quality and the prevalence of these diseases. I recommend targeted interventions addressing the creation of awareness on water conservation and appropriate household water storage, economic empowerment, and water supply infrastructural improvements to enhance water quality and public health in the Setegn Meda settlement
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