ABSTRACT
Access to potable water and sanitation in Dhaka's slums is impeded by water scarcity, pollution, and insufficient infrastructure, leading to waterborne diseases. A survey was conducted on water supply, sanitation practices, hygiene behaviors, and socio-economic conditions in the slum area of Dhaka. The study revealed that 72.1% of households encounter water scarcity, while 57.3% endured prolonged waiting periods for collecting water. 31.7% reported problems with contaminated water sources, while 35.1% faced challenges due to elevated water costs, rendering safe water unattainable. In terms of sanitation, 52.1% of households utilized communal toilets, while 5.2% practiced open defecation. Water treatment practices were insufficient, as 53.8% of households did not purify their water, and merely 1.0% employed chemical treatments. 24.0% of families reported waterborne illnesses, comprising diarrhea (14.9%), cholera (2.5%), and hepatitis (2.9%). Individuals lacking formal education exhibited the highest incidence of diarrhea (17.5%) and infrequent soap usage (46.2%), whereas those with graduate degrees reported 0% infection rate and 50% consistent soap usage. Likewise, users of water filtration demonstrated the lowest diarrhea rate (7.1%) and the highest frequency of soap use (61.2%). Improving water infrastructure and implementing effective water treatment and sanitation programs are recommended in the slum region of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
