Understanding the Perceptions and Uptake of Water Filters of Three Rural Villages in Northern Malawi Público

Abstract

 

Abstract

 

Understanding the Perceptions and Uptake of Water Filters of Three Rural Villages in Northern Malawi

 

By Levi Moellering

 

Background: Malawi is considered a water stressed country and with an ever-rising population growth a greater burden is placed on those living not only in urban areas but also the rural areas to gain access to clean water. Merely 65 percent of Malawi's population has access to improved water and sanitation.

 

Methods: This project was focused on the evaluation of the water filters, through a mixed methods approach. A survey was used to assess the uptake, functionality, and demonstration of the water filters, while interviews and focus groups were used to get at the understandings and perceptions of water filters. The purpose of this impact evaluation was to inform the specific NGO’s responsible for distributing filters on the perceptions and beliefs of the recipients in rural villages on the water filters.

 

Results: The key findings came directly from the data as it was evident that participants held preconceived beliefs towards water filters, specifically the belief that “clear” water equates to “safe” water, and as such their illnesses could not be coming from the water. Major themes included education, training and distribution, along with filter utilization. Water quality was another major theme with regards to access, temperature of water as it affects the uptake of the water filters, as well as past history with water purification techniques. The final theme that was evident was the relationship with NGOs. 

 

Conclusions: The declared beliefs regarding water filters varied from each village, mostly due to factors such as different filters, environment, and culture. Each village expressed varied concerns about certain topics, however the relationship with NGO's was a common concern. One key recommendation that can be made from this research is for NGO's and/or organizations to change their mindset when implementing intervention strategies in foreign countries. Rather than assuming what is needed and merely providing supplies or tools, it is deemed necessary to instead, take the time to learn the cultures and lifestyle of the community beforehand, and of equal importance, to provide thorough training with accessible instructions.

 

Table of Contents

 

Table of Contents

 

Introduction..................................................................................................................................1

 

Problem Statement...........................................................................................................3

 

Purpose Statement............................................................................................................3

 

Research Question............................................................................................................3

 

Objectives..........................................................................................................................3

 

Significance.......................................................................................................................4

 

Definition of Terms……………………………………………………………………..5

 

Literature Review........................................................................................................................6

 

Introduction......................................................................................................................6

 

Water Quality...................................................................................................................7

 

Clean Water Access in Rural African Villages......................................................8

 

Water Purification and Treatment Technologies........................................................11

 

Summary of current problem and study relevance...............................................13

 

Methods........................................................................................................................................14

 

Introduction.....................................................................................................................14

 

Population and Sample...................................................................................................14

 

Research Design..............................................................................................................17

 

Procedures.......................................................................................................................17

 

Instruments......................................................................................................................19

 

Plans for data analysis....................................................................................................20

 

Ethical Considerations....................................................................................................21

 

Limitations & delimitations...........................................................................................21

 

Results..........................................................................................................................................22

 

Introduction.....................................................................................................................22

 

Findings............................................................................................................................22

 

Education, Training, and Distribution...................................................................23

 

Filter utilization.....................................................................................................27

 

Past Experiences....................................................................................................30

 

Quantity versus Quality.........................................................................................31

 

Collaboration with NGO's.....................................................................................33

 

Additional Findings.........................................................................................................34

 

Summary..........................................................................................................................36

 

Discussion and Conclusion.........................................................................................................37

 

Implications and Recommendations.........................................................................................39

 

Appendices...................................................................................................................................46

 

Appendix 1:  Interview Guide........................................................................................46

 

Appendix 2: Survey Guide.............................................................................................48

 

Appendix 3: Focus Group Guide...................................................................................51

 

Appendix 4: IRB Approval.............................................................................................53

 

Appendix 5: Map of Villages..........................................................................................54

 

References....................................................................................................................................55

 

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health Sub Saharan Africa Studies
Palabra Clave	Membrane Filters Northern Malawi Water Filter Water Quality
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Andes, Karen, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Does not apply (no collaborating organization)

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