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Objectives. We investigated the effects of failing sanitation, poor housing
conditions, and fecal pollution in runoff water on the health—particularly the
incidence of diarrheal disease—of residents of low-cost housing settlements in
Cape Town, South Africa.
Methods. In November 2009, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with
structured interviews in 4 communities (n=336 dwellings; 1080 persons). We
used Colilert defined-substrate technology to determine Escherichia coli levels
in runoff water samples taken from the study communities.
Results. Almost 15% of households disposed of soiled products in storm water
drains and 6% disposed of soiled products in the street. In only 26% of the
dwellings were toilets washed daily. Approximately 59% of dwellings lacked
a tap near the toilet for hand washing, and 14% of respondents suffered 1 or
more attacks of diarrhea in the 2 weeks preceding their interview. E.coli counts of
runoff environmental water samples ranged from 750 to 1580000000 per 100
milliliters.
Conclusions. A holistic and integrated approach is needed to improve housing
quality and sanitation among Cape Town’s low-income citizens. (Am J Public
Health. 2011;101:e4–e9. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2010.300107 |
