Assessment Of The Impact Of Water Scarcity And Sanitation On Public Health Outcome In Mubi North Local Government Areas

Abstract

This study examines the impacts of water scarcity and inadequate sanitation on public health outcomes in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and observations to assess the relationship between water access, sanitation practices, and health status. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that access to improved water sources (Exp(B) = 1.963, p < 0.031), sanitation facilities (Exp(B) = 1.796, p < 0.000), and hygiene practices (Exp(B) = 1.708, p < 0.002) were statistically significant predictors of better health outcomes, highlighting the vital role of WASH infrastructure in disease prevention. In contrast, education and income showed no significant association with health status in the study area. Model diagnostics confirmed reasonable fit, with the Hosmer and Lemeshow Test indicating reliable predictions, though classification accuracy was stronger for unselected cases (76.05%) than selected ones (58.7%). The study concludes that addressing water scarcity and inadequate sanitation through targeted interventions is essential for improving public health in rural communities. It recommends that government and development partners expand water supply infrastructure to ensure reliable access to safe water, local authorities promote improved sanitation facilities, and health agencies and NGOs intensify community-based hygiene education campaigns. Furthermore, policymakers should mainstream WASH programs into public health strategies, while local communities should be actively engaged in designing and maintaining interventions to ensure sustainability and long-term impact