Date

12-16-2025

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)

Chair

Raymond Chimezie

Keywords

clean water, access, human right, health, Yazidis, Federal Iraq

Disciplines

Public Health

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the concept of access to clean water for Yazidis living in Dugre, Sinjar, Federal Iraq. As both a fundamental human right and a necessity for improved health and well-being, clean water is a critical element of life. McIntyre et al. (2009) theory of access guided this study as this framework focused on three aspects of access: (1) availability, (2) affordability, and (3) acceptability. This framework helped define the central research question and three sub-questions used in this study: How do Yazidis living in Dugre describe their daily access to clean water? What difficulties do Yazidis encounter when accessing clean water on a daily basis? How do Yazidis afford clean water? What do Yazidis think could make water more accessible for their families living in Dugre? Purposive sampling was used to guide participant selection for interviews, observations, and photographs, focusing on 12 Yazidis living in Dugre, Sinjar, Federal Iraq. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) approach was then used to analyze collected data. The findings from this study found that access to clean water was not met in any of the three aspects designated by McIntyre et al. (2009). Three recommendations including the centralization of water trucking services, continued advocacy for government intervention, and strengthened self-efficacy of Yazidis in Dugre were provided to improve the fulfillment of fundamental human rights and increase the health and well-being of Yazidis living in Dugre.

Available for download on Wednesday, December 16, 2026

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