Working Papers

A developing country like India, faced with an enormous population pressure, requires that limited government funds be set aside for the most effective policies. Diarrhea, which is an easily preventable disease in developed nations, has been affecting the health of millions in India. It is, thus, essential to study the factors responsible to the largest extent for its transmission. We have analysed a primary data set collected across seven states of India in order to study the impact of water and sanitation infrastructure along with hygiene practices vis-? -vis incidence of diarrhea. Using a probit model we found that after controlling for water and sanitation infrastructure, household hygiene practices including hand washing, waste disposal, and the method of taking water from containers are significant determinants of diarrheal incidence. This calls for public education with regard to the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices. ?? Key Words: ??Diarrhea, Drinking water, Hygiene, Sanitation ??????