WASH service accessibility and satisfaction among street informal workers in Dhaka City: a cross-sectional study

This study aimed to explore the WASH service accessibility and satisfaction among street informal workers in Dhaka City. Employing a quantitative research method, data was collected via a survey questionnaire from a randomly selected sample of 407 participants from Dhaka City. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to extract research objectives. The study employed a chi-square test for significant validation and descriptive statistics to analyze satisfaction levels regarding sanitation, hygiene, and safe drinking water practices. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was conducted. Findings revealed that many participants lacked formal education, indicating functional illiteracy, which is consistent with a global trend among informal laborers. Moreover, a significant portion of respondents struggled to meet their daily needs due to insufficient income, underscoring a widening income gap within the informal sector. Despite facing adverse conditions, approximately 70% of respondents reported satisfaction with their health status. However, issues pertaining to water and sanitation inadequacies persisted, with challenges such as ventilation issues and makeshift kitchens posing health risks. Satisfaction levels were found to correlate with occupation and income, highlighting socio-economic disparities in accessing essential services. This study sheds light on the pressing challenges faced by informal workers in Dhaka City concerning their access to WASH services. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the living and working conditions of informal workers, particularly in addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene inadequacies, and mitigating socio-economic disparities within this vulnerable population.