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Impact of the Provision of Safe Drinking Water on School Absence Rates in Cambodia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

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  • Paul R Hunter
  • Helen Risebro
  • Marie Yen
  • Hélène Lefebvre
  • Chay Lo
  • Philippe Hartemann
  • Christophe Longuet
  • François Jaquenoud

Abstract

Background: Education is one of the most important drivers behind helping people in developing countries lift themselves out of poverty. However, even when schooling is available absenteeism rates can be high. Recently interest has focussed on whether or not WASH interventions can help reduce absenteeism in developing countries. However, none has focused exclusively on the role of drinking water provision. We report a study of the association between absenteeism and provision of treated water in containers into schools. Methods and Findings: We undertook a quasi-experimental longitudinal study of absenteeism rates in 8 schools, 4 of which received one 20 L container of treated drinking water per day. The water had been treated by filtration and ultraviolet disinfection. Weekly absenteeism rates were compared across all schools using negative binomial model in generalized estimating equations. There was a strong association with provision of free water and reduced absenteeism (Incidence rate ratio = 0.39 (95% Confidence Intervals 0.27–0.56)). However there was also a strong association with season (wet versus dry) and a significant interaction between receiving free water and season. In one of the intervention schools it was discovered that the water supplier was not fulfilling his contract and was not delivering sufficient water each week. In this school we showed a significant association between the number of water containers delivered each week and absenteeism (IRR = 0.98 95%CI 0.96–1.00). Conclusion: There appears to be a strong association between providing free safe drinking water and reduced absenteeism, though only in the dry season. The mechanism for this association is not clear but may in part be due to improved hydration leading to improved school experience for the children.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul R Hunter & Helen Risebro & Marie Yen & Hélène Lefebvre & Chay Lo & Philippe Hartemann & Christophe Longuet & François Jaquenoud, 2014. "Impact of the Provision of Safe Drinking Water on School Absence Rates in Cambodia: A Quasi-Experimental Study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(3), pages 1-5, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0091847
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091847
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Basu, Alaka Malwade & Stephenson, Rob, 2005. "Low levels of maternal education and the proximate determinants of childhood mortality: a little learning is not a dangerous thing," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 60(9), pages 2011-2023, May.
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    1. Aggarwal, Khushboo & Barua, Rashmi & Vidal-Fernandez, Marian, 2024. "Still Waters Run Deep: Groundwater Contamination and Education Outcomes in India," IZA Discussion Papers 16863, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Perez-Felkner, Lara & Felkner, John S. & Nix, Samantha & Magalhães, Melissa, 2020. "The puzzling relationship between international development and gender equity: The case of STEM postsecondary education in Cambodia," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    3. JieYeon Celes Moon & Lewis Seagull, 2020. "Addressing Cambodia’s Clean Water Infrastructure," Proceedings of the 18th International RAIS Conference, August 17-18, 2020 023jym, Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies.

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