| Abstract: | The overall objective of this study is to identify the social and health problems of river side slum area dwellers. For this study both qualitative and quantitative research approach were used by the researcher. Sample for the study were drawn using probability and non-probability sampling to determine the size of study participants. For the probability sampling, simple random sampling techniques were applied; and for non probability sampling, purposive sampling techniques were used. Accordingly, a total of 186 household members for survey sample were drawn from 347 houses and 9 key informants for interview data were drawn from health extension workers, government officials and village’s known persons. Simple descriptive statistical tools, such as frequency and percentage were employed to analyse the quantitative data generated through household survey. Qualitative data such as key informant interview and observation were drawn and analysed through transcribing recorded audios from Ahmaric language to English which used to support and substantiate quantitative data. The qualitative data was analyzed by collecting same information together, gathering researcher’s notes and putting key informant interview data directly word by word. The finding of the study indicated that, riverside slum area dwellers face many socio-economic problems ranging from unable to afford good living standard to medical expense coverage. The finding of the study further shows, in the study area social problems such as flood, clean water shortage, narrow lanes, septic tank problem, sewerage system problems and shanty houses are affecting riverside slum area dwellers’ life. Additionally, the finding of the study indicated, the study area residents are vulnerable to different diseases such as, diarrhoea, allergic and respiratory organ related problems. Also air and water pollution are indirectly affecting dwellers’ health. The study result further revealed that, residents of the study area got to some extent different supports from government. The researcher recommended that governmental institutes (Woreda’s sanitation office, land management office and health office) need to give special attention for different socio-economic and health related problems faced by river side slum area dwellers of the study area. |
