| dc.description.abstract | Economic, technical, behavioral and contextual factors in an emergency context influence the
consistent use of household water filters. Use of household water treatment and storage
(HWTS) options improves water quality in emergency contexts and consistent use leads to
health benefits. However, HWTS options are often designed for the typical household
environment, not taking into account unique challenges faced during emergencies. The study
aimed at comparatively analyzing factors that influence consistent use of household ceramic
water filters in Northern Kenya which was facing prolonged droughts. The study followed both
qualitative and quantitative design using structured observations, questionnaires and a focus
group discussion. Spearman’s correlation analysis and multivariate regression models were
used to understand and explain the predictors of consistency of use of household filters.
Findings indicate that consistency of use of filters is affected by different factors. Those filters
with a two-bucket interface design were mostly affected by design factors such as functional
status indicators while those with one-bucket interface design were mostly affected by
psychosocial and economic factors such as peer approval and availability of spare parts. The
context, i.e. how well these filters fit in the shelters, was a strong determinant of consistency
in filter use for both groups. Regression models showed an increase in percentage of
consistency of use by 22 points with agreement to good fit in the house. These findings suggest
that, WASH actors should take into account these factors during filter-based interventions in
emergency contexts. A tradeoff between space occupied by the filter and filter capacity and
how they affect fit in the shelters still exists. | en_US |
