Relationship between Housing Sanitation and Health Status of Residents in Thai Households

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed at examining the relationship between housing sanitation and the health status among residents in Thai households, both in urban and urban areas. The study was conducted across four regions, with one province randomly selected from each region. In each selected province, two communities — one urban and one rural — were chosen, totally eight communities. Data were collected using surveys and questionaries from a sample of 1,121 households. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis. The results showed that most of Thai households both in rural and urban areas were detached houses which account for 94.0 and 67.8 percent respectively. Despite a good hygiene and sanitation management, there were some households had poor sanitation and hygiene. This study found that the sanitation factors relevant to the resident health status. For instance, the visual sighting of cockroaches in house associated with respiratory disease both in urban and rural households (OR = 10; 95%CI: 2.48-42.99 and OR = 8.07; 95%CI: 1.08-60.31); and with skin rash (OR = 3.27 95%CI: 1.81-5.94 and OR = 2.65; 95%CI: 1.28-5.47), insecticide chalk using associated with headache both in urban and rural households (OR 14.01 95%CI: 3.92-50.13 and OR = 7.67; 95%CI: 1.42- 41.48), raising a pet in house associated with respiratory diseases both in urban and rural households (OR = 2.24 95%CI: 1.09-4.61 and OR = 3.22; 95%CI: 1.22-8.5 ), keeping trash in home associated with chest pain both in urban and rural households (OR = 2.38 95%CI: 1.46-3.89 and OR = 3.8; 95%CI: 1.06-13.64). Hence, relevant agencies may utilize the finding form this study to raise awareness and build capacity for promote understanding of proper practices, with an emphasis on environmental health management and good hygiene within the household.