A Baseline Study of Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Solid Waste Management Knowledge and Practices in Mumbai’s Slum Communities
1
1 Doctors For You, Mumbai, India
2
2 Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1901
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Rapid urbanisation in India has strained urban infrastructure, contributing to the expansion of informal settlements and suboptimal living conditions, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai1. Slum communities face persistent challenges related to housing, water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management2. This study assesses Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) knowledge, attitudes, and practices among slum communities, supporting evidence-based planning for behaviour change, infrastructure strengthening, and policy action.
METHODS:
The study was conducted in selected area of M/East ward, Mumbai. Households were selected using a random sampling technique, and 1,127 households (25%) of the total 4,505, were surveyed. Data was collected using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire administered through an online data collection tool. The survey captured information on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to WASH.
RESULTS:
Significant gaps were identified in waste management, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene awareness. Although 76.3% recognised the importance of public toilets for community hygiene, facilities were severely compromised, with 79% of respondents indicating the absence of handwashing stations, 93.7% reporting non-functional drainage, 87.7% noting inadequate lighting, and all respondents highlighting the absence of ventilation. Only 1.2% of users rated them clean. Waste management practices were also inadequate, with 95.9% not segregating waste and only 32.7% willing to compost due to low awareness. Although 99.7% accessed piped water, 92% reported discoloration or unusual taste, highlighting quality concerns. Despite general awareness of sanitation needs, 93.9% reported no community advocacy or programs.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings highlight an urgent need for improved sanitation infrastructure, effective waste management systems, clean drinking water facilities, and community awareness. The findings offer valuable baseline evidence to guide integrated WASH and waste management interventions aimed at enhancing public health and overall community well-being.
Rapid urbanisation in India has strained urban infrastructure, contributing to the expansion of informal settlements and suboptimal living conditions, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai1. Slum communities face persistent challenges related to housing, water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management2. This study assesses Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) knowledge, attitudes, and practices among slum communities, supporting evidence-based planning for behaviour change, infrastructure strengthening, and policy action.
METHODS:
The study was conducted in selected area of M/East ward, Mumbai. Households were selected using a random sampling technique, and 1,127 households (25%) of the total 4,505, were surveyed. Data was collected using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire administered through an online data collection tool. The survey captured information on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to WASH.
RESULTS:
Significant gaps were identified in waste management, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene awareness. Although 76.3% recognised the importance of public toilets for community hygiene, facilities were severely compromised, with 79% of respondents indicating the absence of handwashing stations, 93.7% reporting non-functional drainage, 87.7% noting inadequate lighting, and all respondents highlighting the absence of ventilation. Only 1.2% of users rated them clean. Waste management practices were also inadequate, with 95.9% not segregating waste and only 32.7% willing to compost due to low awareness. Although 99.7% accessed piped water, 92% reported discoloration or unusual taste, highlighting quality concerns. Despite general awareness of sanitation needs, 93.9% reported no community advocacy or programs.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings highlight an urgent need for improved sanitation infrastructure, effective waste management systems, clean drinking water facilities, and community awareness. The findings offer valuable baseline evidence to guide integrated WASH and waste management interventions aimed at enhancing public health and overall community well-being.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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