The Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) Scale: comparison scores from 27 sites in 22 countries

Abstract

Household survey data from 27 sites in 22 countries were collected in 2017–2018 in order to construct and validate a cross-cultural household-level water insecurity scale. The resultant Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) scale presents a useful tool for monitoring and evaluating water interventions as a complement to traditional metrics used by the development community. It can also help track progress toward achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 ‘clean water and sanitation for all’. We present HWISE scale scores from 27 sites as comparative data for future studies using the HWISE scale in low- and middle-income contexts. Site-level mean scores for HWISE-12 (scored 0–36) ranged from 1.64 (SD 4.22) in Pune, India, to 20.90 (7.50) in Cartagena, Colombia, while site-level mean scores for HWISE-4 (scored 0–12) ranged from 0.51 (1.50) in Pune, India, to 8.21 (2.55) in Punjab, Pakistan. Scores tended to be higher in the dry season as expected. Data from this first implementation of the HWISE scale demonstrate the diversity of water insecurity within and across communities and can help to situate findings from future applications of this tool.

The co-occurrence of water insecurity and food insecurity among Daasanach pastoralists in northern Kenya

“…The findings of the current study have important public health implications as they suggest that both HWI and HFI are serious problems for Daasanach households. The relatively high mean HWISE and HFIAS scores among Daasanach compared with scores reported for other study populations in low-and middle-income countries across the world (47) reinforce previous research suggesting pastoralist populations may be particularly vulnerable to both WI and FI (28,29,31) . This could have detrimental health consequences for Daasanach of all ages.…”

Variations in household water affordability and water insecurity: An intersectional perspective from 18 low- and middle-income countries

“…Overall, a greater proportion of households in Morogoro scored as being relatively water secure compared with other HWISE sites (Stoler et al, 2021; Figure 2b), yet some households remained severely water insecure and most noted the challenges associated with unpredictable availability. Wealthier residents often opt to purchase potable water from tanker trucks when municipal services fail.…”

Assessment of drinking water access and household water insecurity: A cross sectional study in three rural communities of the Menoua division, West Cameroon

“…The Household Water Insecurity Experience (HWISE) scale was constructed and validated as a cross cultural household water insecurity scale using data collected between 2017 and 2018, from 22 countries. The HWISE has been presented as a revolutionary tool in monitoring and evaluating water-related interventions as an adjunct to the UN standard metrics [22]. However, one of the most recent scales, the Water Insecurity Experience Scale (WATINE-17), was shown to be able to capture all the key dimensions of household water insecurity, including its positive correlation with food insecurity, and was validated in Cameroon [17].…”