Consequences of costal water effect on health for school going adolescent at Kalapara upazial of Bangladesh

Saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources has emerged as a critical public health concern in the coastal regions of Bangladesh, with profound implications for adolescent health and well-being. This study investigates the health consequences of coastal water exposure among school-going adolescents in Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali district-a region highly affected by saline intrusion due to climate change, sea-level rise, and inadequate freshwater infrastructure. A total of 250 adolescents were surveyed using a semi- structured questionnaire to assess the prevalence of waterborne, water-washed, and water-related diseases. The results reveal that a significant proportion of adolescents suffer from waterborne illnesses such as cholera (91.36%), dysentery (87.74%), and typhoid (80.62%). Additionally, high rates of skin-related issues and gastrointestinal disorders were reported. The findings indicate a strong association between water quality and adolescent health in coastal environments. These insights can serve as critical evidence for public health authorities, educators, and policy-makers to design context-specific interventions aimed at ensuring access to safe water and improving hygiene practices. The study underscores the urgency of strengthening water infrastructure and health education to protect vulnerable adolescent populations in coastal Bangladesh.

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