Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases in Relation to Age and Gender in Nakoloke Sub County Mbale District, Uganda

Water is one of the most important requirements for human health and life. It’s the most effective carrier of pathogens causing a number of infectious diseases in developing countries particularly in rural areas. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of waterborne diseases in relation to age groups and gender in Nakaloke sub county Mbale district Eastern Uganda. Retrospective data was obtained from Nakaloke health Centre III and were used to determine the most common waterborne diseases in Nakaloke, Kireka and Nandala Villages for a period of five years. The data were analyzed using SPSS to find the age and gender of the patients and their vulnerability to diseases in the study area. Diarrhoea was found to be the most prevalent waterborne diseases among gastroenteritis, skin infection, typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. Children below 5 years of age and females were more vulnerable to waterborne diseases in the study area. It was also found that these diseases are more prevalent in rainy season than dry season. It was therefore recommended improvement in sanitations, hygiene and access to safe drinking water in the study area.