Impact of Inadequate Sanitation on Socioeconomic and Health Conditions among Rural Households - An Empirical Study

G. Kavitha

Abstract: In most developing countries, the three most significant environmental health problems affecting a large majority of the population are contaminated water supplies, inadequate sanitation, and untreated solid waste. This paper examines the impact of inadequate sanitation facilities on the socioeconomic and health conditions of rural women in Karimnagar, Telangana. This paper finds that 47% of the sample belongs to the young age group, 90% are married, 93% have adopted the nuclear family system, 61% have 5 to 6 family members, 47% are illiterate, and 57% live in semi-pucca houses. 93% of respondents are agricultural practitioners and labourers in their occupation. 41% work for less than 20 days per month, 64% have no land, 76% earn between 2000 and 2500 rupees monthly, and 91% have debts. 75% respondents visit government hospitals. 40% women have clothed shed bathrooms; 98% women go to open defecation. 83% of them reported facing problems while going to open defecation. According to cross-tabulation analysis, 45 respondents from the illiterate group and 35 from the primary level educated group are using clothed bathrooms. 115 out of 150 respondents, who are in the income range of Rs. 2000-2500, state that a sanitation facility improves the dignity of women.

Keywords: Sanitation, health conditions, women's dignity, Telangana

How to Cite?: G. Kavitha, "Impact of Inadequate Sanitation on Socioeconomic and Health Conditions among Rural Households - An Empirical Study", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1462-1466, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25722150619, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25722150619