Prevalence and Factors Associated with Waterborne Diseases in Couffo, Southwestern Benin: The Case of Aplahoué

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Abstract
Water-related diseases are among the infectious diseases that represent a major public health challenge in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of waterborne diseases and the factors associated with their occurrence in the commune of Aplahoué, located in southwestern Benin. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 125 households selected through simple random sampling in the commune. Data analysis was performed using regression models and Chi-square tests with SPSS version 27.0, considering a p-value below 5% as statistically significant. This study revealed an overall prevalence of waterborne diseases of 45.6% at the household level and 16.6% at the individual level. Malaria was the most prevalent waterborne disease (8.4%), followed by diarrhea (6.3%). Multivariate analysis identified a history of waterborne diseases and hospitalization due to waterborne diseases as significant independent risk factors for the occurrence of new waterborne diseases. It is, therefore, critical to improve access to safe drinking water, promote better hygiene and sanitation practices, and strengthen health education through effective communication to foster behavioral change within the community.