Trends, Local Perceptions and Cost of Waterborne Diseases in River Njoro watershed, Nakuru District

Abstract

River Njoro has been experiencing a gradual decline in the quality and quantity of water, resulting in various waterborne diseases among people living in the watershed. The current study covers the period 1998 - 2002. The main objective of the study was to document the prevalence of waterborne diseases in River Njoro watershed and their implications on human health. Medical data from a purposive sample of three health institutions within the watershed for the aforementioned period was collected. ln addition, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) reports for the area were reviewed to document community's perceptions. Questionnaires were also administered to clinical officers in the sampled institutions. A data registration form was developed to collect case register data on the waterborne diseases. The study focused on four diseases, namely; diarrhoea, amoebiasis, typhoid and bacillary dysentery. The data collected was analysed using Epidemiology Information System 2002 (Epi Info 2002) and tables and graphs generated showing the annual and seasonal trends in the prevalence of the diseases. The study found out that, diarrhea cases increased in Nessuit during the dry season as opposed to the cases in Njoro and Kapkures, which were lower during dry months. The situation is however, reversed upon the onset of rainy seasons. Diarrhoea and Bacillary dysentery were common in children below 2 years while typhoid and amoebiasis were common among adults above 20 years. This could be attributed to infective dose, responsible for various diseases. The PRA reports indicated that water-related diseases and water shortages were among the most important issues affecting residents in the watershed. Community members pointed out the revival of stalled water projects and harnessing of rainwater as some of the ways that could reduce the incidence of the diseases. The cost estimates for diarrhoea and typhoid were Kshs 568 and Kshs 2,029 respectively. These costs did not include other costs such as pain and suffering by family members. The study demonstrated there was a correlation between the incidence of waterborne disease and the quality and quantity of water in River Njoro.