Water quality and improving hygienic practices of the rural community in the vicinity of Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine

The study aims to increase community awareness at the household level about certain hygienic practices and water quality in order to develop an effective program that will target improving specific hygiene-related behavior. The study was carried out in two Palestinian villages and applies a quasi-experimental design where chemical and biological water quality analysis as well as residential behavioral aspects related to some hygiene practices were assessed before and after envisaged intervention applications. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the housewives' knowledge, and practices in regard to hygienic practices and water use, followed by face-to-face health education and awareness sessions to the selected housewives. After 3 months, another assessment was conducted using the same questionnaire to measure improvement in their knowledge and practices. On the first visit, in addition to collecting data related to the questionnaire, the water quality in the selected houses was tested to ensure the quality aspects of the hygiene practices. Based on these findings, the chosen methodology was able to promote a real change in improving the water quality on household taps and in improving hygienic practices and knowledge.