Impact of Poor Sanitation on Community Life: Town of Nain Sukh District, Lahore

Background: There is a need to assess the effect of poor sanitation on residents' socioeconomic status and health impact. Objectives: To investigate the impact of inadequate sanitation on socioeconomic conditions, health outcomes, and community life in the Nain Sukh District. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Nain Sukh district following IRB approval. The sample comprised 120 participants recruited through systematic sampling. The questionnaire was used for data collection and validated through pilot testing. The reliability of the tool was confirmed (Cronbach’s α = 0.7). The data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. Results: Participants were predominantly male (70.8%), labourers (43.3%), with low income and high illiteracy (30.8%). Mean scores revealed significant negative effects of poor sanitation on daily life (29.9 ± 8.29), economy (37.8 ± 9.46), health (28.5 ± 8.04), and social life (43.0 ± 9.94). Frequency showed 66.7% (n=80) strongly agreed that sanitation was the main problem. Sixty percent (73) reported severe disruption of social gatherings such as weddings and funerals. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between poor sanitation and poor health (r = -0.811, p < 0.01), monthly income (r = -0.188, p < 0.05), and economic stability (r = 0.595, p < 0.01). Regression analysis confirmed that poor sanitation was a strong predictor of adverse community outcomes (r² = 0.857, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Poor street sanitation and stagnant water significantly undermine socioeconomic stability, health, and social cohesion