[Effectiveness evaluation and cost-effectiveness estimate for diarrhea control by environment improvement in rural...

Diarrhea diseases had been controlled by improving water supplies and excreta disposal facility in Changge county, Henan. In 1983, the morbidity rate of diarrhea was 48% in trial village. After central water supply was established in 1986, the rate was decreased to 28.2%, and was further reduced to 11.08% by both improvement of water supplies toilets. In comparison with 1983, the reduction of the rate was 76.9%. The results showed that the two measures had a great impact on reduction of patients with diarrhea during the peak period from June to Oct. The patients below age four were three fourth reduced by improved water supply only. In comparison with control village, the morbidity rates of all age groups were reduced 54-79% by both improvement of water supplies and toilets. But there was no significant difference in the distribution of the pathogens. Both measures cost 46 Yuan per capita. The annual benefit of 23.5 Yuan per capita was obtained from reducing the diseases and saving working force and fertilizer. It was estimated that the total costs will be paid in 2 years and cost-benefit ratio will be 4.4 after 2 years.