Targeting at risk households in Bangladesh exposed to arsenic contamination: a spatial analysis

This study seeks to identify the spatial risk pattern of households (HHs) exposed to arsenic contamination in Bangladesh by adjusting potential socio-economic, demographic factors. Data from Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2012–13 are used where hierarchical Bayesian spatial ordered logit model is implemented. The analysis shows that 25% of HH water samples were arsenic contaminated, although the majority (95%) of HHs used improved water sources. Arsenic contamination risk in the HH water was significantly associated with water source type and location, place of residence and districts. The model-based spatial prediction reveals that the north-east and south-west parts of Bangladesh have a high risk of contamination. To ensure the quality of HH water, our findings suggest that chemical test should be promoted considering the spatial risk of arsenic contaminations variations among HHs of Bangladesh. Furthermore, the study findings can effectively contribute in the planning of future interventions and programs.