What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to assess the current state of water, sanitation, hygiene, and related practices within the One Health framework in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region.

April 10, 2026Open Access

Epidemiological Survey on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) in Uganda’s Karamoja Sub-Region, Using a KAP Questionnaire Within a One Health Framework

Puntos clave

This study aims to assess the current state of water, sanitation, hygiene, and related practices within the One Health framework in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region.
Applied a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) questionnaire
Surveyed 195 respondents in Moroto and Napak districts
Analyzed impacts of socio-demographic factors on WaSH practices
Women showed significantly lower knowledge of WaSH compared to men (OR = 0.04; p = 0.002)
Older individuals (≥ 30 years) had higher knowledge odds (OR = 20.39; p = 0.003)
Greater distances to water sources improved attitudes but worsened hygiene practices (OR = 0.20; p = 0.01)
Livestock ownership correlated with better hygiene knowledge (OR = 16.89; p = 0.02)
Community outreach strategies significantly boosted hygiene practices (home visits: OR = 30.78; p < 0.001)

Resumen

Background: The Karamoja sub-region of Uganda addresses significant challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH), deeply linked to public and environmental health and regional development. Objectives: This study applied a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey within a One Health framework to assess WaSH conditions, hygiene behaviour, livestock management, and disease prevention in the Moroto and Napak districts. Methods: A total of 195 respondents were surveyed, providing insights into socio-demographic factors, hygiene practices, livestock management, and disease prevention. Results: Findings highlighted gender disparities, with women less likely to achieve good knowledge compared to men (OR = 0.04; p = 0.002), probably reflecting limited access to information in traditionally male-focused community settings, and their greater involvement in water collection tasks. Age significantly influenced WaSH knowledge, with older individuals (aged ≥ 30 years) showing higher odds of good knowledge (OR = 20.39; 95% CI: 2.74–151.83; p = 0.003), probably due to their roles in knowledge transmission within the community. Proximity to water sources shaped behaviours, with greater distances associated with improved attitudes (OR = 3.56; p = 0.002) but reduced hygienic practices (OR = 0.20; p = 0.01). Livestock ownership, particularly of small ruminants, strongly correlates with good hygiene knowledge (OR = 16.89; p = 0.02), probably due to interactions with veterinarians and authorities during vaccination campaigns. Integrated communication strategies, including community meetings, home visits, and radio outreach, were strongly associated with improved practices (e.g., home visits: OR = 30.78; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite progress, challenges such as water scarcity, waste management, and gender disparities persist. Improving water infrastructure, promoting equitable access, and integrating tailored communication strategies are essential for fostering sustainable development, health equity, and the empowerment of women in Karamoja.

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