Purpose:

To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases associated with the use of contaminanted water in households lacking drinking water and sanitation in the Mezquital Valley in Hidalgo.

Methodology:

Data from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey was used. A binomial logistic model was developed which considered sociodemographic variables as well as others related to the sources of water supply and sanitation in households.

Results:

There are statistically significant differences in the probability of becoming infected with a disease depending on the origin of the water source that reaches households, its frequency as well as lack of drainage and direct discharge in the toilet.

Limitations:

The results are representative of the region but not of each municipality that integrate it.

Main findings:

Lack of basic services and access to drinking water increase the probability of gastrointestinal events in households in the Mezquital Valley. The implementation of public policy strategies in terms of coverage of basic services is recommended as well as water treatment programs that minimize the effects on health due to domestic use.