Home Treatment of Drinking Water in the Peri-Urban Environment of Bumba: Study Protocol

Introduction:Consumption of unsafe water is the cause of many diseases, leading to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under five years of age.This situation represents a considerable burden for humanity.Household water treatment appears to be a practical and effective solution to ensure water security for populations, while reducing contamination and microbiological risks in communities without reliable access to safe drinking water.This article presents a study protocol aimed at assessing household drinking water treatment practices and identifying factors associated with these methods in the peri-urban environment of Bumba, Democratic Republic of Congo. Material and method:A cross-sectional study with analytical aim will be carried out among 422 households during a period from July 1 to November 30, 2023.The data will be collected on the basis of an administered questionnaire and an observation guide.The frequencies and odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval will be estimated, then the logistic regression by stepwise descending approach will be calculated to analyze the influencing factors.Expected results: Expected outcomes include a better understanding of households' practices and knowledge regarding drinking water, as well as the determining factors for their treatment behavior.