Water and Sanitary Diseases Influencing Socio-Economic Conditions of Oad Community in Sindh.

Abstract

The focus of this study is on the social problem related with water and sanitation. Topic of this study is water and sanitary diseases influencing socio-economic conditions of the Oad community. Under this topic, the major objectives of this study are first, to analyze the condition of water and sanitary practices in the community. Second, to find out the water borne diseases and their causes. Third, to document the impacts of water borne diseases on the socio-economic lives of community members. Fourth, to know the perception of community members towards water borne diseases and sanitary practices. Mix research methodology is used in this study qualitative as well as quantitative. Sampling method of this study are purposive sampling and accidental sampling. Researcher had participated in the community by the help of key informant. Data collection tools of this study are in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. Techniques of this research are, case study, audio recording, field notes, daily dairy etc. Related literature is part of this research study. Main finding of this research are consumption of water and sanitary practices, the community members use multiple sources of water for instance hand pump, water motor, water filter plant. Not only they drink this water but also, they use water for cooking and bathing purpose. Water borne disease is major reason of contaminated water and unhygienic practices. Community members are impacting by various diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, skin disease, throat etc. Sanitation practices are adverse, the members use PAKKAKHAYAL JAGAH and KACHA KHYAL JAGAH, they also use ash as the cleaning and sanitizing agent. Drainage network of community is deteriorating. Socio- economic condition of community is contributing to this stage, they belong to lower class means their profession is garbage collecting. Mostly they are poor, and enough livelihood earning survival. Originally the Oad is schedule caste of Hindu community. Perceptions of community is different from contemporary period. Moreover, they have been busy in searching the solution of their illnesses and diseases through their religious myths and folklore According to above objects of research, the researcher has collected data from Oad community of city Moro, district Naushahro Feroze Sindh. In which, he analyzed water and sanitary conditions, treatment facilities, believe system, practices, perception, and socio-economic behavior of community. Key words: Water borne, Sanitation, Hygiene, Schedule caste, Impacts, Condition