Effect of Water Handling Practices On the Health Outcomes of Rural Households in Bauchi State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to assess household’s water handling in relations to their consequences on health indicators of rural dwellers in some communities of Bauchi state Nigeria. This study is motivated by the increasing report of diseases that are caused by water contamination in rural areas across the region. And the need to improve in the provision of hygienic water. This study adopts cross sectional survey design. The data was collected from 118 heads of households in the area by using a structured questionnaire. The method used for data collection includes percentages, and cross- tabulation analysis. Findings from the analyzed data indicated that 59.3% used open containers, and 61.9% used one container such as a cup for drinking water in the entire household. Also, about 62.7% of the households had reported a case of sickness that is related to waterborne in the last 12 months. The study therefore concludes that the current water handling practices in the areas has negative health implication on the people in rural communities across Bauchi State Nigeria. Therefore, in order to improve living condition in rural areas, health education with emphasis on handling practices should be advocated. In addition, separate water drinking containers should be maintained in the households.