The Sanitation-Related Quality Of Life Index (Sanqol5) Among Tribals- An Investigation

Abstract

Improvement of water and sanitation conditions may reduce infant mortality, particularly in countries like India, where open defecation is highly prevalent. It can also provide dignity, privacy, and reduce the spread of diseases and shame. We found good evidence for construct validity, with support (P < 0.05) for 87% of hypothesised associations between SanQoL-5 and toilet quality characteristics and a strong relationship between toilet facilities and the dignity and privacy of life. In 120 tribal samples of Telangana, only 9% of instances showed evidence of meaningful differential item functioning. SanQoL-5 conformed to expectations in item response theory models. SanQoL-5 can be used in impact evaluation, monitoring, needs assessment, and benefit assessment.