Evaluation of Water Purification Methods among Residents of Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Access to safe drinking water remains a public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated water purification methods and their determinants among residents of Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 355 adult residents selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests and binary logistic regression at p < 0.05 significance level.
Results: Borehole (45.1%) and well water (30.4%) were the primary drinking water sources. Although 68.7% of households practiced water purification, 31.3% consumed untreated water. Boiling was the most common method (28.2%), followed by filtration (17.5%), alum use (12.4%), and chlorination (10.6%). Knowledge of waterborne diseases was high (72.4%), yet a knowledge-practice gap persisted. Educational level was significantly associated with purification practice (p = 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that respondents with tertiary education were six times more likely to practice water purification (AOR = 6.00, 95% CI: 2.48–14.53) compared to those with no formal education. Knowledge of waterborne diseases increased the likelihood of treatment fivefold (AOR = 5.36, 95% CI: 3.05–9.42), while cost was a significant barrier (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24–0.67).
Conclusion: Despite moderate uptake of water purification, significant gaps exist, driven by educational and economic factors. Improving household water safety requires integrated strategies combining health education, subsidized treatment options, and long-term investment in water infrastructure.