Determinants of tap water mistrust among Phoenix, Arizona Latinx adults

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to characterize factors that predict tap water mistrust among Phoenix, Arizona Latinx adults. Participants (n ¼ 492, 28 + 7 years, 37.4% female) completed water security experience-based scales and an Adapted Survey of Water Issues in Arizona. Binary logistic regression determined odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the odds of perceiving tap water to be unsafe. Of all participants, 51.2% perceived their tap water to be unsafe. The odds of mistrusting tap water were significantly greater for each additional favorable perception of bottled compared to tap water (e.g., tastes/smells better; OR ¼ 1.94, 95% CI ¼ 1.50, 2.50), negative home tap water experience (e.g., hard water mineral deposits and rusty color; OR ¼ 1.32, 95% CI ¼ 1.12, 1.56), use of alternatives to home tap water (OR ¼ 1.25, 95% CI ¼ 1.04, 1.51), and with decreased water quality and acceptability (OR ¼ 1.21, 95% CI ¼ 1.01, 1.45; P, 0.05). The odds of mistrusting tap water were significantly lower for those whose primary source of drinking water is the public supply (municipal) (OR ¼ 0.07, 95% CI ¼ 0.01, 0.63) and with decreased water access (OR ¼ 0.56, 95% CI ¼ 0.48, 0.66; P, 0.05). Latinx mistrust of tap water appears to be associated with organoleptic perceptions and reliance on alternatives to the home drinking water system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)702-718
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Water and Health
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Hispanic adults
  • Latinx adults
  • behavior
  • bottled water
  • hydration
  • plain water intake

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Water Science and Technology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Infectious Diseases

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