KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING Handling, Storage, and Purification of Water among People Living in a Semi-Urban Community of Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore knowledge, attitude and practices of the people regarding handling, storage, and purification of water, in a semi -Urban community of Karachi, Pakistan Methodology: This study was conducted in Lalabad community located in Bin Qasim Town from October 2007 to December 2007. Forty participants were sampled through convenience sampling, with the inclusion criterion of 6 months of residence in Lalabad community. Data was obtained using a structured questionnaire comprising of 35 questions related to knowledge, attitude and practices of handling, storage, and purification of water in a semi -Urban community of Karachi, Pakistan Results: Out of the 40 participants, 29 (72.5%) were illiterate, whereas, 11 (27.5%) could read and write. All participants reported a scarcity of water resources in the community. Around 87.5% participants agreed that use of unpurified water can cause diseases. However, only 15% of the participants boiled water for drinking purposes, 12.5% shared that they used other methods for purification of water such as filter, alum and tablets. Almost 97.5% participants agreed that hand washing is very important for maintenance of health.Conclusion: This data shows the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the handling, storage, purification and use of water in semi -Urban community of Karachi, Pakistan. Effective interventions for community education and empowerment are needed to promote healthy practices regarding water sanitation