Territories marked by social inequities associated with household water insecurity in Rio de Janeiro/Brasil

Water insecurity (WI) is a key dimension of social inequality and a determinant of health, especially in urban contexts with socioeconomic disparities. In Brazil, despite the recognition of water as a social right, inequalities in access, reliability and quality of water services persist. Given that access to water can be a marker of social inequities and considering the pronounced territories disparities in Rio de Janeiro, this study aims to analyze if the territories of the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, considering their socioeconomic inequalities, were associated with the household WI indicator. This population-based cross-sectional study used data from the First Survey on Food and Nutritional Insecurity in Rio de Janeiro (2024), with a probabilistic sample of 2,000 households distributed across the five residential zones. Socioeconomic characteristics of the household reference person, household characteristics, food security/insecurity and water access variables were collected. WI was assessed via Portuguese version of the Water Insecurity Experiences Scale. Multinomial logistic regression models adjusted by socioeconomic characteristics and water access of the households were estimated to evaluate the association of residential zone and WI. Significant inequalities between the territories were observed. South and Southwest zones showed better socioeconomic conditions and more frequent daily water supply (82.2, 75.9 respectively), whereas Central and North zones presented worse socioeconomic indicators and more frequent supply interruptions (19.2%, 20.6% respectively). West zone showed intermediate conditions, with more water rationing (30.8%). WI was lower in South and Southwest zones (25.1%, 27.1%, respectively) and higher in Central and North zones (46.9%, 48.3%, respectively). Compared with South, living in West and North zones was associated with a twofold increase in the odds of having low WI (OR = 2.4; 95%CI: 1.5–3.7; OR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.3–3.5, respectively) and moderate WI in Central zone (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2–5.2). The patterns of differences between territories were evident in WI, reflecting and reinforcing social inequalities between territories. Access to the water network alone does not ensure an adequate supply, highlighting the need for policies that address structural and social determinants of water access.

Food insecurity · household water insecurity · Regional disparities · residential areas · Rio de Janeiro · Social inequality · socioeconomic disparities · urban water access · water rationing · water supply disruption · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Water Governance and Infrastructure · Water Resource Management and Quality