Risk factor analysis of diarrhoeal diseases in the Aral Sea area (Khorezm, Uzbekistan)

In the Aral Sea basin, human activities have resulted in the severe degradation of water and soil, which is considered to cause serious human health problems. This study investigated the risk factors: water, sanitation and related hygiene issues for diarrhoeal disease in Khorezm province, Uzbekistan. The risk factors were studied using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods including water quality monitoring, standardised questionnaires and spot checks. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that visible contamination of drinking water during storage and the absence of anal cleansing materials were significantly associated with the number of diarrhoeal episodes per household. Overall, the findings of the study show that the domestic domain plays a major role with regard to faecal-oral disease transmission in Khorezm, Uzbekistan. Unhealthy excreta disposal habits and unsafe drinking water storage practices have to be urgently tackled in order to break the faecal-oral transmission route.