Multilevel analysis of improved water utilization and associated factors in Yemen: using 2013 DHS Yemen national dataset

Access to clean drinking water is essential for public health and quality of life. Yemen faces a severe water crisis driven by scarcity, groundwater overexploitation, and socio-political instability. This study analyzed data from the 2013 Yemen Demographic and Health Survey (17,333 weighted samples from 8,794 households) to identify household and community factors influencing access to improved water sources. A multilevel logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with the use of improved drinking water, considering variables with p-values < 0.05 as statistically significant. The results show that about 58.8% of households had access to improved water sources. Media exposure, larger household size, fewer under-five children, shorter water collection time, higher wealth status, urban residence, and lower community poverty levels were associated with higher odds of access to improved water. Regional disparities were observed across governorates. To enhance access to improved water sources, targeted interventions should prioritize infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and public awareness campaigns tailored to the specific needs of each community.