Factors that influence safe water drinking practices among older persons in slums of Kampala: Analyzing disparities in boiling water

Abstract

Introduction Safe drinking water practice is a key public health promotion strategy for reducing the spread of waterborne diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence boiling water practice among older persons in informal settlements of Kampala. Methods We collected primary data on “Access to safe water and health services among older persons in informal settlements of Kampala in October 2022. The study interviewed 593 men and women aged 60 years and older. The Complementary log-log multivariable technique was used to establish the association between boiling water practice and selected independent variables. Results The results show that nearly 8% of the respondents did not boil their water for drinking. The findings show that the female older persons had increased odds of boiling water to make it safe for drinking compared to their male counterparts (OR = 1.859, 95% CI = 1.384–2.495). Other factors associated with boiling water practice among older persons in the informal settlements of Kampala were; living alone, quality of house, and type of water source. Conclusion Basing on our findings, we find that older women are more likely to use safe drinking water practice (boiling) compared to the male older persons. Health education majorly targeting older men about the importance and health benefits associated with safe water drinking practices should be prioritized by policy makers. There is need to improve housing conditions of older persons to minimize typhoid, diarrhea and other health risks associated with drinking unsafely managed water.