Exploring Well Water Testing Behaviour Through the Health Belief Model

• Published in: Environmental health insights Vol. 14; no. 1; p. 1178630220910143
• Main Authors: Munene, Abraham, Lockyer, Jocelyn, Checkley, Sylvia, Hall, David C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sage UK: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2020; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Contamination; Decision theory; Education; Health behaviour; Health problems; intervention programme; interviews; Original Research; risk perception; rural; Water pollution; water testing; Well water; intervention programme; rural; well water; Health behaviour; interviews; risk perception; water testing
• ISSN: 1178-6302; 1178-6302
• DOI: 10.1177/1178630220910143

Health problems can arise from consuming contaminated well water. Well water testing can help prevent negative health outcomes associated with consuming contaminated water. The aim of this study was to understand the factors influencing well owner decisions to conduct water testing through the theoretical lens of the Health Belief Model. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 well owners and used framework analysis to sort and analyse the data. The results demonstrated that well owners’ perceived susceptibility to well water contamination was low, while the perceived severity of contamination, benefits of testing, and self-efficacy towards testing were high. Cues to action to promote testing focused on increasing well owner education and awareness through well stewardship programmes and reminders to test. Participants faced some barriers to water testing. Increasing education and awareness about well water contamination and water testing, while reducing logistical barriers to testing, may improve compliance with water testing.