Improved water supply and prevalence of scabies among children under five years of age in Tharaka-Nithi district Kenya

Abstract

This study demonstrates the effect that improved water supply systems have on water consumption and water use patterns within households and on the prevalence of scabies among children under five years of age. A comparison of households using improved water sources with households using traditional water sources indicated that access to an improved water source was not associated with an increase in water consumption but with changes in hygiene practices. Children from households with access to improved water sources were bathed more frequently and changed their clothes more often. The prevalence of scabies among children under five years of age was found to be significantly associated with the type of water source used by the households.