Factors influencing access to water, sanitation, and hygiene among crisis-affected populations

BACKGROUND: The Central African Republic is suffering a long and complex humanitarian crisis. Population access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services remain a challenge in the context of protracted conflicts. However, research on access to WASH in this population is limited. The purpose of the study was to investigate factors associated with access to WASH among crisis-affected populations in the Central African Republic. METHODS: This study analyzed 11,723 crisis-affected households from the 2020 Central African Republic Multi-Cluster Needs Assessment survey data. This survey was conducted between June to August 2020 by the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Initiative and geographically covered all sub-prefectures of the country.Sampling weighted multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) were more likely to affect their access to WASH than their host families.Movement restricted due to COVID-19, household members with difficulties in self-care (e.g., washing, dressing), education level, and monthly household income were significantly associated with access to WASH. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that certain factors place the crisis-affected populations in the Central Africa Republic a thigh risk for access to WASH, especially among IDPs. The findings in this study can inform public health professionals to develop support and education programs and shape health care policies. In addition, the results highlight the importance of access to safely managed WASH services during infectious disease outbreaks, including the current COVID-19 pandemic KEY MESSAGES: • The findings in this study can inform public health professionals to develop support and education programs and shape health care policies. • The results highlight the importance of access to safely managed WASH services during infectious disease outbreaks, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.