Diarrhea Among Children, WASH Facilities, and Factors Associated With Diarrhea in West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT

In India, West Bengal shows considerable variation in the availability of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, often with lower access rates. Waterborne diseases, like diarrhea, lead to malnutrition and restrict the normal growth of children. In this context, the study aims to understand the status of WASH facilities and the prevalence of diarrhea among children under 5 years old in West Bengal. It also analyzes the factors influencing the incidence of diarrhea related to WASH and other socio‐economic variables based on a sample of 5455 children from NFHS‐5 data, 2019–2021. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis are conducted to investigate the results. The findings indicate that Bankura and Puruliya have the highest and second‐highest rates of open defecation. Regarding improved drinking water facilities, Puruliya and Purba Medinipur show the lowest rates. The result also reveals that Bankura has the highest prevalence of diarrhea among the children. Moreover, it indicates that households with unimproved toilet facilities (UOR: 1.325), hand wash with soap/detergent (UOR: 1.394), and children aged 12 to 23 months (UOR: 2.168) are significantly associated with diarrhea. Kolkata and surrounding districts like North Twenty‐Four Parganas, Howrah, and Nadia have comparatively better WASH facilities. In contrast, Puruliya, Bankura, and Purba Medinipur suffer from low WASH service availability and high rates of diarrhea prevalence. It highlights the areas in West Bengal with inadequate WASH facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements, particularly sanitation, to effectively combat diarrheal diseases. Improvement of WASH services in the study area will directly support the attainment of SDG 6 (Water and Sanitation for All), whereas combating diarrheal diseases among children will promote the achievement of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well‐being). Expanding knowledge in this field is also essential for fostering a healthier future for the nation.