Analyzing the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Accessto Clean Drinking Waterand Water borne Diseases in Karachi: A Quantitative Investigation

Abstract

Access to clean drinking water is vital for public health, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Karachi, where challenges related to water scarcity and waterborne diseases are pronounced. This study aims to investigate the nexus between socioeconomic status, access to clean drinking water, and waterborne diseases in Karachi, with the overarching goal of informing evidencebased interventions to address disparities and enhance public healthoutcomes. The rationale for this research stems from the urgent need to tackle inequities in water access, exacerbated by
socioeconomic disparities prevalent in urban settings. The objective is to scrutinize the relationship between socioeconomic status and water access, analyze the prevalence of waterborne diseases, and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative surveys were conducted among
Karachi residents, capturing demographic data, perceptions of water access, and experiences with waterborne diseases. Statistical analyses, including Chi-Square tests and logistic regression, were employed to analyze the data. The findings unveiled a significant associationbetween 
socioeconomic status and access to clean drinking water, as well as the prevalence ofwaterborne diseases. Specifically, socioeconomic disparities were found to exert a profound influence on both access to clean drinking water and susceptibility to waterborne diseases. Based on these findings, recommendations are put forth to the government, advocating for prioritized investment in water infrastructure, community engagement initiatives, strengthened regulatory frameworks, targeted social safety net programs, andenhanced inter-sectorial collaboration. These recommendations aim to address the underlying causes of water access disparities and foster improvements in public health outcomes in Karachi. Ultimately, this research contributes valuable insights into the intricate interplay between socioeconomic factors, water access, and health outcomes, offering guidance for stakeholders striving to advance urban health equity.