02533nas a2200433   4500000000100000008004100001653002100042653003000063653001800093653001200111653001600123653000900139653001000148653001100158653001100169653001100180653001100191653002700202653001900229653001300248653002800261653002100289653001700310653001000327653001000337653003100347653001700378653001600395100001500411700001500426700001100441700001700452700001200469245011700481300001100598490000600609520147000615022001402085       2015                            d10aRural Population10aResidence Characteristics10aPublic health10aMothers10aMiddle Aged10aMale10aKenya10aInfant10aIncome10aHumans10aFemale10aFamily Characteristics10aDrinking water10aDrinking10aCross-Sectional Studies10aChild, Preschool10aChild health10aChild10aAdult10aSurveys and Questionnaires10aWater Supply10aWater Wells1 aSakisaka K1 aChadeka EA1 aNagi S1 aMwandembo DS1 aJimba M00aIntroduction of a community water supply in rural western Kenya: impact on community wellbeing and child health.  a204-110 v73 a<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>This study aimed to examine water availability and community health before and after tube wells were introduced in a rural western Kenyan community. Differences in impact among income quintile groups were quantified, and users' perceptions of their water supply measured.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>We conducted a two-part pre- (2009) and post-intervention (2011), cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires for mothers.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>In total, 1391 (576 in 2009 and 815 in 2011) mothers participated. Well introduction changed the households' drinking-water source from river to ground water. The median distance to the water source was reduced by 40% (500 to 300 metres) and median collection time was reduced by 50% (30 to 15 minutes). Water consumption per household increased by approximately 20% (from 82.6 to 99.0 L) and drinking of untreated water decreased by approximately 10%. Regression analyses revealed mothers with higher monthly incomes had the highest satisfaction levels (β=0.167, p&lt;0.001). Positive impacts were strongest among wealthier groups.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>The small-scale community water supply dramatically affected user hygiene behaviours and daily life. Water supply access improved from 'no access' to 'basic access'. Household connections to a water supply and hygiene education are important steps to enhance community health.</p>
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