Cross-sectional study to measure household water insecurity and its health outcomes in urban Mexico

ObjectiveTo assess the links between structural and household determinants of household water insecurity and test three water insecurity measures against self-reported diarrhoea, dengue fever and perceived stress in the middle-income and low-income urban areas of Torreón, Mexico.DesignCross-sectional household survey conducted in two waves (rainy and dry seasons).Participants500 households selected via multistage cluster sample in selected communities. Socioeconomic status determined the selection of participant neighbourhoods; five were identified in low socioeconomic status neighbourhoods and five in low-medium socioeconomic status neighbourhoods. We examine how the context of urban water provision is related to a new cross-culturally valid Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) Scale.Primary outcome measuresThe HWISE Scale, self-reported diarrhoea, dengue fever and the Perceived Stress Scale.ResultsWater system intermittency (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.96, 95% CI 2.40 to 6.54, p