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@article{180695,
        author = {PABITA POUDEL},
        title = {Water Sanitation Hygiene Practice and Morbidity Status in a Community-Based Study in Pokhara Nepal},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {1},
        pages = {2030-2036},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=180695},
        abstract = {Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and 
hygiene (WASH) are critical for public health, yet many 
communities in developing countries still face 
significant challenges. This study examines the status of 
water sanitation, hygiene practices, and related health 
outcomes in the semi-urban area of Lamachour, 
Pokhara, Nepal. Using a mixed-methods approach, data 
were collected from 100 households through structured 
surveys, 
direct 
observation, and focus group 
discussions. The findings reveal that 35% of households 
have access to piped water, while the rest rely on less 
reliable sources such as wells and rivers, many of which 
are contaminated. Sanitation facilities are inadequate 
for 42% of households, with a significant portion still 
practicing open defecation. Handwashing with soap is 
not consistently practiced, contributing to the high 
prevalence of waterborne diseases like diarrhea and 
typhoid, especially during the monsoon season. 
Socioeconomic factors such as education and income 
levels significantly influence WASH practices and 
health outcomes. The study concludes that improving 
WASH infrastructure and community awareness is 
essential for reducing the burden of preventable 
diseases in Pokhara. Targeted interventions, including 
community-based health education and enhanced water 
and sanitation infrastructure, are recommended to 
improve public health outcomes in the region.},
        keywords = {Water Sanitation, Hygiene, Morbidity,  Public Health, WASH, Pokhara, Nepal},
        month = {June},
        }