Preventing Waterborne Diseases: Analysis of a Community Health Worker Program in Rural Tamil Nadu, India

Community health worker (CHW) programs have become popular tools in reducing the burden of childhood illnesses. However, the
efficacy of CHWs in facilitating behavior change, as a means of preventing waterborne diseases, remains unclear. Using a household
survey (n = 225),in rural Tamil Nadu, South India, we assessed the effects of a CHW program on knowledge, attitudes and practices
related to diarrheal illness through comparison with a control population that was not enrolled in the program. The CHW program
in the experimental village entailed behavior change aimed at preventing diarrheal illness through home visits, community
events and health education. Correlates of four key variables on knowledge of drinking water contamination and behavior change
were examined by using logistic regression models. We found that while the program was effective in raising awareness of drinking
water contamination, it did not significantly increase hygiene and water sanitation practices in the village community in
comparison to the control population. Furthermore, villagers enrolled in the CHW program were unable to recognize the connections
between contaminated drinking water and disease. The results of our survey indicated the CHW program did not significantly
affect behavior in the experimental village. Possible shortcomings in the program are discussed.