Abstract
Household water treatment (HWT) contributes to a significant reduction in waterborne diseases, especially among vulnerable populations in developing countries. This study assesses the socioeconomic and environmental indicators of HWT among Nigerian households. Cross-sectional data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The findings show low adoption (8.1%) and disparities in HWT among the households. Boiling water is the most dominant method of HWT (24.6%), followed by alum (22.6%), straining water through a cloth (22.1%), chlorination (12.8%), allowing water to stand and settle (10.6%), and filtration (7.0%). The odds of adopting HWT are high in wealthier households, male-headed households, households with heads educated to at least secondary school level, and households residing in Southern Nigeria. This low adoption and disparity in HWT could significantly undermine public health and exacerbate socioeconomic and regional inequalities. The present study recommends subsidies and microcredits on purchasing HWT products for large-scale adoption of HWT in Nigeria. Behavior change communication is also essential for HWT diffusion among vulnerable populations of developing countries.
•Household water treatment (HWT) can greatly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.•There is low adoption (8.1%) and disparities in HWT among Nigerian households.•Boiling, alum, and straining water through a cloth are the dominant HWT methods.•Education, wealth, and access to electricity are the major indicators of HWT.•Subsidies and public awareness are key to scaling up HWT for improving water safety.