Water, sanitation, and hygiene practices of caregivers of under-five children in a coastal area of South India

Background: Improving child survival still remains challenging for most of the developing countries like India. Leading causes of under-five mortality such as pneumonia and diarrhea can be prevented by ensuring good water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. This study aimed to assess the WASH practices of caregivers of under-five children in a coastal area of Tamil Nadu in South India. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a community-based cross-sectional study among primary caregivers of under-five children in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. Caregivers accompanying under-five children in Threspuram and Mullakadu Primary Health Centers were interviewed. A semi-structured interview-based questionnaire was used to assess their WASH practices. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The median WASH score was found to be 16 with an interquartile range of 6.5. Nearly 35% of the caregivers did not do anything to purify drinking water. Only less than three-fourths of the study population followed proper water storage practices. Only 7.2% of caregivers always washed their hands after defecation. The WASH score increased significantly with the education of the caregiver (P < 0.001). Conclusion: WASH practices were mostly poor for under-five children with male caregivers and caregivers with higher age and lower educational status.