RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACCESS TO POTABLE WATER AND DIARRHEAL DISEASE INCIDENCE AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN ILARO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to assess the relationship between access to potable water and incidence of diarrheal disease among 100 households in Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria. Data on demographic characteristics, sources of potable water, prevalence of diarrheal disease, household water storage, and treatment practices were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Multistage sampling ensured representative coverage across urban and rural wards. Quantitative data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS Version 25. Findings revealed a moderate prevalence of diarrheal diseases, with children aged 5 years being the most affected. Tap water was the dominant source (77.0%) and associated with reduced diarrheal cases, whereas well and borehole water, which are more common in rural areas, showed higher risks. Most households practiced safe storage using clean, covered containers (83.0%) and water treatment (74.0%), though gaps persisted, particularly among those with lower educational attainment. There were significant associations between poor water quality and increased diarrheal incidence (mean = 2.69). The study concludes that socioeconomic and environmental factors influence water access and health outcomes, recommending public health interventions, infrastructure improvements, and community education to mitigate the risk of diarrheal disease in Ilaro