Availability and Perceived Adequacy of Basic Infrastructure among Muslim Households in Shravasti and Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Basic infrastructure is an important enabling condition for preventive health, particularly in rural and socio-economically disadvantaged settings. Adequate and functional infrastructure can support healthier living conditions and facilitate access to essential services and health-related information. Objective: To examine the availability, accessibility, and perceived adequacy and usability of basic infrastructure among Muslim households in two Aspirational Districts of Uttar Pradesh- Shravasti and Bahraich. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 238 Muslim households. Data were collected on household electricity, Gram Panchayat-level internet connectivity, all-weather road access under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Individual Household Latrines (IHHL), safe drinking water, functioning Common Service Centres (CSCs), and government-supported housing. Respondents' perceptions regarding the adequacy and usability of major infrastructure facilities were also assessed. Descriptive statistics and district-wise comparisons were performed, with statistical significance considered at p<0.05. Results: Overall, 95.4% of households reported access to electricity and 92.4% reported access to safe drinking water at a minimum level of 40 litres per capita per day. Access to IHHLs was reported by 65.5% of households, while 50.0% reported all-weather PMGSY road access to their habitations. Only 15.5% reported access to a functioning CSC. Gram Panchayat-level internet connectivity was reported by 100.0% of households in Shravasti compared with 82.1% in Bahraich. Significant district-level differences were observed in respondents' perceptions of the adequacy and usability of roads, drinking water, sanitation, electricity, housing, and CSCs/digital access    (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings describe reported infrastructure availability and perceived service adequacy; health outcomes were not assessed. While coverage of electricity and safe drinking water was relatively high, reported access to sanitation, road connectivity, and functioning digital service centres was lower; access to government-supported housing was also limited.  Strengthening the quality, accessibility, functionality, maintenance, and sustainability of basic infrastructure can help create an enabling environment for preventive health and improve living conditions in Aspirational Districts.