Abstract

IMPROVING COMMUNITY QUALITY OF LIFE BY ADDRESSING THE IMPACT OF POOR SANITATION ON URINARY HEALTH

Subahana Shaji*, Rini Sara John, Sneha Elisa Bency, Sani Karingattil Pradeep, Abhilash Kumar

ABSTRACT

Poor sanitation remains a serious public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings where people lack adequate access to clean water, hygienic toilets, and effective excreta and refuse disposal. Poor sanitation results not only in poor environmental conditions but also directly affects human health due to its impact on the urinary system. Poor access to toilets, inappropriate hygiene practices by community members, and insufficient water directly influence an increase in UTIs, discomfort, and reduced overall well being. This research explores how poor sanitation impacts urinary health and community quality of life. A six month prospective observational study was conducted among 403 participants of educational institutions and residential areas in Pathanamthitta district. Inclusion criteria included subjects aged from 10 to 85 years who could read English or Malayalam. A structured questionnaire, pre designed data collection forms, and informed consent documents were used as tools for data collection. The information related to sanitation practices, urinary symptoms, and perceived impacts on daily life was collected in this survey. Data that were collected were entered into MS Excel and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The findings showed that the majority, 305 respondents (75.68%), perceived that poor sanitation adversely affected their quality of life. Many also reported ways in which this fact influenced behavioral changes, including not drinking water at night and/or holding urinations due to a lack of clean or accessible toilets. These habits can increase one's susceptibility to UTIs and promote physical discomfort and emotional distress. The findings are supported by previous research evidence indicating that lack of sanitation is strongly linked to lower health and well-being. The study shows that improved sanitation infrastructure and hygiene awareness can help advance urinary health to improve the overall quality of life for the community.

Keywords: Poor sanitation, Urinary health, Quality of life, Urinary tract infections, Hygiene practices, Sanitation facilities, Community health, Safe water, Health education.