Browsing by Author "Poudel, Keshab Dutta"

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    Knowledge and practice on arsenic (A study of jhada VDC ward No. 9, Nawalparasi ,District
    (2015) Poudel, Keshab Dutta; Janardan Thapa
    ABSTRACT Nawalparasi being of the hotspot of arsenic contamination and Jahada as one of its VDC has people whose health is susceptible to arsenic poisoning. Thus, the knowledge of arsenic is essential and its remedial application equally important. This research has been conducted among all houses of Jahada VDC Ward No. 9. Hundred households' records have been used for analysis. Respondents from each household gave information about their knowledge regarding arsenic, methods implemented to tackle with arsenic problem and the burning issues. The source of information is also recalled. The specific objective of this study is to investigate and analyze the impact of knowledge, perception and practice related to arsenic and to list out the factors that influence the arsenic removal procedures or techniques. For achieving above mentioned aims, various tools and techniques have been applied. The research stands on the bases of both primary and secondary data despite preference to primary data as it is more reliable and authentic. Also informal discussion was conducted to collect the data. Quantitative data were collected through individual interview (semi structured), informal group discussion and interview. The universe of the study is the household of ward no.9 of Jahada VDC where all the hundred and eleven houses were visited but according to their residence and water sharing nature only hundred households or hundred tubewells were included. These households have different features like multi-ethnic, religion and language. Among those households a single person is selected as representative. Out of which female members, who were mostly housewives, were found higher than male. Majority of members were from Janajati group followed by hill Brahmins, Madhesis Dalits etc. Many (48%) of respondents were from 31-50 age group with majority of nuclear families (53%), and most having members 4-6 (58%). Status of literacy was average as most respondents expressed skill of only reading and writing, higher level of educational status was poor: only 4% were bachelor and above. The main source of income was agriculture (55%) for majority of households. Almost all had shallow tubewell as source of drinking water (95%). Quality of drinking water was variable in majority (59%). Most (83%) knew about arsenic but extent of knowledge was variable. Majority 59% considered it as waster polluting agent. Most of the respondents (95%) knew about the methods of finding arsenic. Regarding the test, majority 75% have tested water to find water contaminated with arsenic (90.5%) while 86% knew arsenic can be removed. Majority expected door step visit for arsenic testing (74%). Only half of the households (51%) had filter in working condition. Filter maintenance was done by female members (54.8%) in majority of households. There was no authentic record of arsenic test or filter maintenance. People were not clear regarding arsenic matter. Knowledge of arsenic was limited only to arsenic as water polluting agent and arsenic filter as its remedial measure. They lack in-depth knowledge about symptoms and dreadful consequences of arsenic poisoning. Also knowledge of other remedial measures like balanced diet which can check the complexity of arsenic or bioremedial system i.e. using of special bacteria or plants to control arsenic were unknown to the people. They did not have proper knowledge on filter maintenance and replacement of damaged parts. Practice on arsenic remedy was average. Most of them were unsuccessful in making optimum use of filter. They had developed a tradition of testing water for arsenic only when facilities were available at doorstep. There was neither tradition of regularity in testing water nor any updates of test records. They don’t bother to get new filters or mend the damage part instead abandoned the filters when it stopped functioning. Education played key role in affecting the acquiring of extent of knowledge and its perception. It equally affected practice of use of filter and its maintenance i.e. becoming more aware. Physical factors like accessibility of source of information of arsenic, arsenic test, availability of filter and its parts affected both knowledge and practice on arsenic removal. The complex technical terms and source of information in non native language became psychological factors affecting knowledge and practice of arsenic. It linked with memory and lack of interest due to tedious maintenance procedure. Hence Arsenic free water can only be obtained sustainably if the above mentioned factors are solved. This will help in protecting and promoting health of citizens. Thus a healthy society and nation with arsenic free water can be imagined.