Exploratory investigation of water, sanitation, hygiene, and health of migrant labourers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), India

Abstract

Adequate access to water, sanitation, hygiene, and health services remains challenging in urban areas. This study aims to assess the current water, sanitation, and hygiene services and the health conditions of informal migrant workers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This structured questionnaire-based study consisted of 31 items divided into three sections addressing water access, sanitation facilities, hygiene practices and health services among informal migrant labourers. The primary data was collected through interviews with the participants who have migrated to the region, primarily in search of a livelihood. Logit regression was used to identify the variables that influenced the water, sanitation and health status of the migrant workers. The local municipality supplied the primary source of drinking water yet only 64% of participants reported access to improved drinking water sources meeting the criteria for availability and accessibility. More than half (50%) reported experiencing intermittent water shortages. 57% of the participants relied on limited sanitation services which they shared with members of other households. All participants (100%) reported access to basic hygiene facilities with the availability of soap and water. Greater number of respondents (63%) reported children frequently missing school due to illnesses that they thought were related to water or sanitation issues. The results of the logistic regression revealed that the location of the washroom significantly affected the sickness and hospitalization of the family members (p < 0.05). Our findings provide the empirical baseline evidence of WASH disparities impacting migrant communities in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Analyzing key trends and challenges in urban settlements will help policymakers improve living conditions for the urban poor.