title: Risk perception and water purification practices for water-borne parasitic infections in remote Nepal.
abstract: This study assesses water-borne infection risk perception and water boiling habits in a remote Sankhuwasava region of Nepal using a brief interview-style questionnaire. All subjects were aware of the risks associated with drinking unpurified water, but a majority (65%) reported they did not boil water regularly, and almost 60% of villagers interviewed had history of infection despite their boiling practices. In contrast to reports from other communities in Nepal, risk awareness was sufficient in this region. Water boiling alone did not confer protection. Future efforts should target sanitation, screening, and other sources of contamination.
authors.affiliation: University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford ME 44613, USA. adrienne.nk@lycos.com
authors.forename: Adrienne N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Kovalsky
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Lacey
authors.forename: Upendra Raj
authors.initials: UR
authors.lastname: Kaphle
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Vaughn
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009390:Nepal; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010465:Perception; D012306:Risk; D014867:Water / Q000469:parasitology*; D018508:Water Purification; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards
chemical_list: D014867:Water