Search

Background: Informal settlements across SSA have proliferated with increased urban population. Characterized by inadequate water supply, inhabitants resort to groundwater for domestic use. This happens oblivious of water contamination with emerging contaminants in form of antibiotics and their derivatives. Development of antibiotic resistant genes and antibiotic resistant bacteria, causes ill health, thus interventions that increase level of awareness of health effects of consuming water contaminated with antibiotics are requisite. This involves protecting human, animal and environmental in totality in a One-Health approach. This study sought to determine antibiotic use, disposal and level of awareness of health effects associated with consuming water contaminated with antibiotics.Methods: A cross-sectional study of a random sample of 447 households in selected informal settlements of Kisumu County, Kenya was conducted in September 2019. A structured questionnaire was generated based on research questions and administered to heads of households to assess, antibiotic use, disposal and level of awareness of health effects associated with consuming water contaminated with antibiotics. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 20.Results: Level of awareness of health effects of consuming water contaminated with antibiotics was low, 35% (n=156), especially among households where a member had used an antibiotic within one month prior to the time of study; p=0.03. Groundwater was used by 99.8% (n=446) for various purposes, including drinking (9% (n=40)), cooking (18%(n=43)), washing utensils (79% (n=353)), clothes (96% (427)) and house (95% (421)). About half the households reported antibiotic use 43% (n=193). Among this, 74% (n=144) consulted a health worker in a healthcare facility for prescription. Respondents who had taken antibiotics did not always complete doses but reported to have kept the remainder for next time they would get sick (54%). About 32% disposed remainder of antibiotics in pit latrines, compost pits (10%) while 4% reported to have burnt them. Conclusion and recommendation:Groundwater is the major water source for domestic use in informal settlements. With low awareness of risks associated with consuming water contaminated with antibiotics, a looming public health concern due to antibiotic resistance necessitate attention to avert health effects that may lead to ill health.