Dataset used in the analysis "Household water handling practices and microbial water quality in informal settlements of Kibera, Kenya"

Multivariate logistic regression revealed significantly higher odds (AOR = 3.16, p < 0.001) of contaminated drinking water (E. coli or total coliforms) amongst households not treating water. Those maintaining recommended FCR levels had substantially lower odds (AOR = 0.04, p < 0.001) of microbial contamination. In a bivariate sub-analysis, chlorine-based water treatment methods were protective against microbial contamination (OR=0.26, p = 0.025).

In contrast, filtration-based methods were linked to higher odds of contamination (OR=3.25, p = 0.008) and boiling had no effect (p = 0.671). This study underscores the need for public health actors to promote effective and sustained water handling practices, especially for settings at high risk of contamination such as low-income urban areas.