Adolescent Immigrants’ Beliefs about Tap Water Consumption
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: Drinking tap water is part of a sustainable health approach.
Objective: This study aimed to identify adolescent immigrants’ beliefs regarding tap water intake.
Method: This study was based on the Reasoned Action Approach. The target population was adolescent immigrants (14-17 years old) who have been living in Quebec (Canada) for less than 5 years. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire available in French and English. Water intake was measured with a validated questionnaire.
Results: A total of 50 adolescent immigrants (52.0% male; mean age: 15.4±1.2 years) completed the questionnaire. Tap water accounted for 64.1% of total water intake. Several adolescent immigrants mentioned the fear of getting sick after drinking tap water. However, adolescent immigrants perceived that drinking tap water is more affordable and better for the environment than bottled water. The opinions of parents and friends seem important. Many barriers to tap water intake (e.g., perceived poor water quality, bad taste, doubts about water content) were reported while improving its public access was suggested as a facilitating factor.
Discussion and Conclusion: Adolescent immigrants from our study seem to have a low tap water intake. The belief that drinking tap water is dangerous appears common. It is important to inform adolescent immigrants about tap water quality upon their arrival in Quebec and improve its public access to reduce health inequalities.
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