African Cross-Cultural Psychology | 08 November 2007
Impact of Community-Led Water Sanitation Programmes on Child Nutrition in Kenya: A Survey Study
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Abstract
Community-led water sanitation programmes (CWSPs) have been implemented in various parts of Kenya to improve hygiene and reduce disease transmission. These initiatives aim to enhance access to clean water, thereby potentially improving child nutrition outcomes. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected from a representative sample of households across four counties in Kenya. The survey included questions about household sanitation practices, water sources, and child health status. The findings suggest that CWSPs have led to a reduction in stunting rates by approximately 15% among children who benefited directly from the programme's improved access to clean water. This study provides evidence of the positive impact of community-led water sanitation programmes on child nutrition outcomes, particularly in reducing stunting. Given these findings, it is recommended that CWSPs are scaled up and integrated into broader public health initiatives to further enhance their nutritional benefits for children.