title: Water contact observations in Kenyan communities endemic for schistosomiasis: methodology and patterns of behaviour.
abstract: A descriptive analysis of observed water contact activities in seven Kenyan (Akamba) communities is presented. The patterns of contact with time of day, month of year, type of activity, degree of immersion, use of soap, use of 'kithima' and day of week are all considered, with particular attention given to how these vary with age and sex. It is noted that (a) patterns of contact vary dramatically between these culturally rather similar communities, (b) contact usually peaks in the second decade of life, (c) generally females, especially young women, spend more time at the water than males and (d) simple (unweighted) total observed duration of contact gives a relatively inflated estimate of exposure in adults, especially young women. The methodology of observation and data handling is described in some detail.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, UK. af101@cam.ac.uk
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Fulford
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Ouma
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Kariuki
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Thiongo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Klumpp
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kloos
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Sturrock
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Butterworth
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005260:Female; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni; D012552:Schistosomiasis; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water