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Waterborne Disease‐Related Risk Perceptions in the Sonora River Basin, Mexico

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  • Agustin Robles Morua
  • Kathleen E. Halvorsen
  • Alex S. Mayer

Abstract

Waterborne disease is estimated to cause about 10% of all diseases worldwide. However, related risk perceptions are not well understood, particularly in the developing world where waterborne disease is an enormous problem. We focus on understanding risk perceptions related to these issues in a region within northern Mexico. Our findings show how waterborne disease problems and solutions are understood in eight small communities along a highly contaminated river system. We found major differences in risk perceptions between health professionals, government officials, and lay citizens. Health professionals believed that a high level of human‐waste‐related risk existed within the region. Few officials and lay citizens shared this belief. In addition, few officials and lay citizens were aware of poor wastewater‐management‐related disease outbreaks and water contamination. Finally, aside from health professionals, a few interviewees understood the importance of basic hygiene and water treatment measures that could help to prevent disease. Our results add to the literature on environmentally‐related risk perceptions in the developing world. We discuss recommendations for improving future human‐wastewater‐related risk communication within the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Agustin Robles Morua & Kathleen E. Halvorsen & Alex S. Mayer, 2011. "Waterborne Disease‐Related Risk Perceptions in the Sonora River Basin, Mexico," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(5), pages 866-878, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:31:y:2011:i:5:p:866-878
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2010.01570.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Timothy Downs, 2001. "Making Sustainable Development Operational: Integrated Capacity Building for the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector in Mexico," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(4), pages 525-544.
    2. Agustin Robles-Morua & Alex Mayer & Mary Durfee, 2009. "Community partnered projects: a case study of a collaborative effort to improve sanitation in a marginalized community in northwest Mexico," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 197-213, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chakraborti, Lopamudra & Shimshack, Jay P., 2022. "Environmental disparities in urban Mexico: Evidence from toxic water pollution," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    2. Parnali Dhar‐Chowdhury & C. Emdad Haque & S. Michelle Driedger, 2016. "Dengue Disease Risk Mental Models in the City of Dhaka, Bangladesh: Juxtapositions and Gaps Between the Public and Experts," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 36(5), pages 874-891, May.

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