Tropical Doctor > Volume 38, Number 4 > Pp. 229-231

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Short Reports

Risk perception and water purification practices for water-borne parasitic infections in remote Nepal

Adrienne N Kovalsky MPH MSJ   ^*    Steven E Lacey PhD      Upendra Raj Kaphle MD      James M Vaughn PhD   ^*

^* University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford ME 44613; University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, Chicago, USA; Kathmandu University, College of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal

Correspondence to: Adrienne Kovalsky, University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford ME 44613 Email: adrienne.nk{at}lycos.com

This study assesses water-borne infection risk perception and water boiling habits in a remote Sankhuwasava region of Nepal using a brief interview-style questionnaire. All subjects were aware of the risks associated with drinking unpurified water, but a majority (65%) reported they did not boil water regularly, and almost 60% of villagers interviewed had history of infection despite their boiling practices. In contrast to reports from other communities in Nepal, risk awareness was sufficient in this region. Water boiling alone did not confer protection. Future efforts should target sanitation, screening, and other sources of contamination.

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