Risk Factors for Symptoms of Water-Borne Diseases in Upstream Community of Sirikit Dam’s Reservoir

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional research was to study risk factors of water-borne diseases among people living in Sirikit dam upstream community. Data were collected by using a questionnaire interviewed 255 people aged above 20 years living in upstream community of Sirikit dam’s reservoir. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and inference statistics. The results revealed that 53.73% of the study subjects were male, the average age was 49.91 years (S.D.=15.52). The majority 74.51%, passed education below high school and earned median income 1,000.00 baht/month (ranged from nil to 27,500 baht/month). The study subjects had a history of symptoms related to water-borne diseases 55.69%. In regard to the prevention of water-borne diseases behaviors, almost all 98.82% consumed natural spring water from the hills for drinking and using. More than a half of the study subjects had knowledge about prevention of water-borne diseases in high level. While a half of them had attitudes and behaviors related to prevention of water-borne diseases in an acceptable level. Age and education levels had relationship between water-borne diseases by Chi-square test (p-value=0.017, 0.049). Multiple logistic regression analyzed for impacts of multi risk factors showing individuals aged under 60 were more likely to have higher risk for water-borne diseases than those who were older than or equal to 60 years (Adjusted OR=1.97, 95%CI=1.12-3.47, p-value=0.018). The results of this study can be used as a guideline for the development of drinking water management systems in the community and development of a program to promote health and to prevent the water-borne disease for community populations.