A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING PREVENTION OF WATER-BORNE DISEASES AMONG MOTHERS OF TODDLER RESIDING AT SELECTED RURAL AREAS IN UJJAIN WITH VIEW TO DEVELOP AN INFORMATION BOOKLET

Abstract

Water is nature’s most generous gift to man. It is one of man’s most important assets; water is an essential factor in economic, social and cultural development of a community. It is not only a refreshing drink and an effective cleansing agent but also a vital medicine.

Poor sanitation and unhygienic water consumption leads huge burden of waterborne illnesses such as diarrheal disease, cholera, typhoid etc. Approximately 88% of diarrheal diseases are attributed to unsafe water supply, inadequate sanitation and hygiene. 

Adequate supply of fresh and clean drinking water is a basic need for all human beings on the earth, yet it has been observed that millions of people worldwide are deprived of this. Industrial growth, urbanization and the increasing use of synthetic organic substances have serious and adverse impacts on freshwater bodies. Many areas of groundwater and surface water are now contaminated with heavy metals, POPs (persistent organic pollutants), and nutrients that have an adverse effect on health. The children consist about 20% of our total population are prone to get infections from different sources like food, water, flies, fomites and polluted environment.