Differences in Risk Perception of Water Quality and Its Influencing Factors between Lay People and Factory Workers for Water Management in River Sosiani, Eldoret Municipality Kenya

Abstract

This study evaluates the differences between risk predictors and risk perception regarding water pollution. Specifically, it focuses on the differences in risk perception between factory workers and lay people situated in textile industries near the River Sosiani in Eldoret, Kenya. The lay people are divided into two groups. The respondents living downstream are situated mostly in town centers and at the mid/lower parts of the river, and the respondents living upstream are mainly found at the upper parts of the River Sosiani. Data were obtained from 246 participants using questionnaires. Several factors influencing risk perception were selected to evaluate the degree of perceived risk amongst the groups. Descriptive statistics, mean score and correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression models were used to analyse the data. The one-way ANOVA results showed statistically different levels of risk perceptions amongst the groups. The partial and bivariate correlation analyses revealed the differences in scientific knowledge between respondents upstream and downstream. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that each group used different variables to determine risks in the region. In the factory group, 56.1% of the variance in risk perception is significantly predicted by sensorial factors, trust in the government’s capacity to manage water pollution and the impact of water pollution on human health. About 65.9% of the variance in risk perception of the downstream inhabitants is significantly predicted by sensorial factors, the possibility of industries generating water pollution, and previous experience with water pollution. For the respondents located upstream, age, sensorial factors, trust in the government and the possibility of being impacted by water pollution factors significantly predicted 37.05% of the variance in risk perception. These findings indicate that enhanced public participation in water governance amongst the residents of Eldoret town is needed, along with an understanding of the different characteristics of the respondents in the region during risk communication. This will boost awareness in the region and promote the adoption of better practices to minimise the adverse effects of water pollution faced by the region.

The Perception of Water Contamination and Risky Consumption in El Salvador from a Community Clinical Psychology Perspective

“…A sense of unease may be particularly meaningful in those who cannot purchase bottled water, which is deemed safer, and are bound to consume tap water because of their poor economic possibilities. Indeed, people with lower socio-economic status are more likely to perceive water pollution as a problem because water quality is an issue of immediate concern due to their struggles to meet their basic needs [47,48]. Instead, risk perception is attenuated when participants consider precautions and sanitation procedures adopted at the community level as effective.…”

“…Instead, risk perception is attenuated when participants consider precautions and sanitation procedures adopted at the community level as effective. In this regard, previous research has demonstrated that risk perceptions are negatively correlated with acceptance and benefit perceptions of sanitation systems [49], as well as with the general trust in the government's capacity to manage water pollution through wastewater treatment [48]. It is thus possible that believing that sanitation procedures are effective contributes to alleviating anguish and fear of being poisoned by polluted water.…”

“…Indeed, through displacement, participants move the discussion from the impact of water pollution on human health to sensorial information about the taste, color, and smell of the water. In such a way, they may redirect their anxieties to less threatening aspects of water quality that, albeit relevant to risk perceptions, trigger death thoughts to a lesser extent [48]. Moreover, two further mechanisms emerge, overall pertaining to intellectualizing defenses, namely rationalization and isolation of affect.…”

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“…Recent reports have shown that contamination with fecal bacteria may not only occur due to unsanitary hygiene practices of people handling the dispenser machines but also through the attrition of pipes and corrosion. These problems may be contributing factors not only to bacterial contamination but may also lead to contamination by toxic chemicals (Ebrahim et al 2015;Yau et al 2016;Mumbi & Watanabe 2020). Leakage and cross-contamination between sewage pipes and drinking water pipelines or may be due to leaky and worn out pipes may be one reason for this contamination.…”

A PLS-SEM Analysis to Check Public Willingness to Use Water from Filtration Plants Installed by Public Own Organizations; a Study of Psychological Behavior Toward Sustainable Development

“…17 To evaluate the amount of public engagement and the required positive behavioral response, it is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of how the general public feels about water quality and its importance for environmental sustainability. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] To implement and evaluate the success of water quality improvement plans and water pollution management strategies, policymakers must take a more in-depth look at a variety of factors, including human factors such as perception, knowledge, awareness, communication, and societal fabric, as well as economic factors, especially in light of socio-economic impact and climate change. 27 It is more challenging for developing countries with limited resources to provide potable water.…”