Contextual and Psychosocial Factors Influencing the Use of Safe Water Sources: A Case of Madeya Village, uMkhanyakude District, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is a public health problem that affects over 240 million people worldwide. It is mostly prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas among communities with limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation. This study was conducted in uMkhanyakude District in rural South Africa, where water resources are limited. In this community, individuals frequently come into contact with freshwater bodies for various reasons. The objective of the study was to identify critical contextual and psychosocial factors for behaviour change to reduce risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Madeya Village, uMkhanyakude district. Methods: Structured household interviews were held with 57 primary caregivers to assess their thoughts and attitudes towards collecting water from a safe source. We used the Risk, Attitude, Norm, Ability, and Self-regulation model (RANAS) to estimate the intervention potential for each factor by analysing differences in means between groups of current performers and nonperformers who use safe water sources. Results: The subscale vulnerability belonging to the risk factor on the RANAS was scored as low. Furthermore, attitudinal factors towards the use of safe water sources were found to be low. Ability factors (confidence in performance and confidence in recovery) towards the use of safe water sources were low as well, indicating that these factors should be the target of the intervention in the study area. Discussion: Based on this study, it is recommended that a community-based empowerment intervention strategy it appropriate. The strategy should prompt behavioural practice and public commitment, use persuasive language to boost self-efficacy and target younger low-income caregivers between 18 and 35 years of age.

Contextual and psychological factors influencing open defecation free status: an exploratory qualitative study in rural South Western Uganda

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Spatial and seasonal distribution of Bulinus globosus and Biomphalaria pfeifferi in Ingwavuma, uMkhanyakude district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Implications for schistosomiasis transmission at micro-geographical scale

“…uMkhanyakude experiences low annual rainfall averaging 690 mm per year. More than half of the households in this area do not have access to piped clean water and have poor sanitary facilities [ 19 , 20 ] making them vulnerable to water-borne diseases (WBDs) including schistosomiasis. The study area is approximately 40 × 30 km and mostly characterised by seasonal streams flowing towards the Pongola flood plain and two main rivers (Pongolo and Ngwavuma) and there are two major dams—Nsunduza and Namaneni (Fig.…”

Enhancing LPG Adoption in Ghana (ELAG): A Trial Testing Policy-Relevant Interventions to Increase Sustained Use of Clean Fuels

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