Perceptions of drinking water access and quality in rural indigenous villages in Fiji

Abstract Poor rural water quality is a health challenge in Fiji. A mixed-methods study six iTaukei (Indigenous Fijian) villages was conducted to understand local perceptions of drinking access and quality, how this changes source choices, impacts age gender. Seventy-two household surveys, 30 key informant interviews (KIIs) 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Household surveys revealed 41.7% community members perceived their as dirty 76.4% clean. Two-thirds households reported that they always or usually had enough water. FGDs KIIs influenced by population size, seasonality, rainfall. Perceptions caused shift alternative sources. Alignment the qualitative quantitative data identified four themes: sources infrastructure, access, contamination. There mixed alignment between with partial agreement quality. Gender found influence water, contamination, supply demand. shape decisions choices for can be used inform resilience inclusive strategies.