Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Water, Sanitation & Hygiene in Rural Community Lahore, Punjab

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Talha Abdullah
Sadia Ahmad
Abu Talha
Nazia Ahmad
Muhammad Ali

Abstract

Background: Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene contribute to the transmission of diarrhoeal and other communicable diseases, particularly in rural communities with limited environmental and health resources. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding water, sanitation, and hygiene among residents of a rural community in Lahore, Punjab. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over four months among 300 participants recruited through convenience sampling. Data was collected using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and WASH-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Results: Unsafe water was recognized as a cause of diarrhoeal disease by 241 (80.3%) participants, while 293 (97.7%) acknowledged that water quality could affect health. Favourable attitudes were reported toward keeping water containers clean, 295 (98.3%), and handwashing after latrine use, 285 (95.0%). However, 115 (38.3%) participants agreed that washing with water alone was sufficient for hand hygiene. Protected water sources were reported by 289 (96.3%), handwashing facilities near household latrines by 297 (99.0%), and good overall WASH practices by 237 (79.0%). Conclusion: Although most participants reported favourable WASH knowledge, attitudes, and practices, important misconceptions remained regarding disease prevention, waste disposal, children’s stool, and effective handwashing

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Talha Abdullah, Sadia Ahmad, Abu Talha, Nazia Ahmad, Muhammad Ali. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Water, Sanitation & Hygiene in Rural Community Lahore, Punjab. JHWCR [Internet]. 2026 Mar. 30 [cited 2026 Aug. 6];4(6):1-8. Available from: https://www.jhwcr.com/index.php/jhwcr/article/view/2004

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