Determinants of Hand-washing with Soap: Evidence from Primary Schools in Bangladesh Público

Abstract

Determinants for Hand-washing with Soap: Evidence from Primary Schools in Bangladesh

Background: More than 8.1 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2009, mostly
from preventable and treatable causes. These child deaths are concentrated in low-income
countries, with 34% of all deaths occurring in South Asia. Although Bangladesh has made
considerable improvements in child health, many of these health problems persist. Research
studies have shown strong evidence that hand washing with soap may greatly reduce the
incidence of diarrheal disease and respiratory infection. However, there is little data on current
hygiene practices in primary schools or the state of sanitation facilities in Bangladesh.

Objective: The specific objective of the study is to better understand and measure the current
rate of hand washing with soap after latrine use in primary school children in Bangladesh.
Additionally, this study aims to determine the physical and psychological constraints that affect
students' hand washing behaviors.

Methods: Data from fifty participating schools were collected using quantitative methods.
Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities of each school were assessed with a physical survey.
Hygiene behavior after latrine use was measured by structured observations. Finally, four
students and the head master from each school were surveyed to gather information on barriers
to access of WASH facilities

Results: Overall, the assessment of school facilities found access to water to be adequate in most
schools with 40 out of 50 schools possessing a water source on school property. Soap for hand
washing was not found to be as easily available; approximately 50% of schools had soap for
hand washing. Hand washing with soap was rarely practiced: 21% of 629 students observed
after latrine use washed both hands with soap. Survey results from students and head masters
illustrated the need for increased funding for soap and maintenance of sanitation facilities.

Discussion: Inconsistent availability of soap and water are major barriers for hand washing with
soap with primary school children. Recommendations of increased funding, engagement of the
community, and continued education in school hygiene programs can help address those issues.
Further research is needed to fully understand the motivations for hand washing with soap
among primary school children in Bangladesh.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background...1
1.2 Significance...3
1.3 Study objectives...6

Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 School WASH Programs...7
2.1.1 School WASH Hardware Components...8
2.1.2 School Hygiene Education Components...10
2.2 Behavior Change...15
2.3 Measuring Hygiene Behaviors...17
2.4 Current School WASH Programs...21

Chapter 3: Methods

3.1 Study Site & Population...25
3.2 Sampling Methods...28
3.3 Study Procedures...29
3.4 Instrument Design...30
3.5 Data Collection...31
3.6 Ethics...35
3.7 Data Quality Control...36
3.8 Data Organization...36
3.9 Data Analysis...36

Chapter 4: Results

4.1 Study Population...38
4.2 Spot Check of Water Facilities...44
4.3 Observed Hand-washing Behavior...45
4.4 Spot Check of Latrine Facilities...50
4.5 Barriers to WASH Facilities...52
4.6 Motivation of School Headmaster...55
4.7 Student Reported Hygiene Behaviors...57
4.8 School Hygiene Program Improvement...58
4.9 Program Indicators of Practicing Hand-washing...59

Chapter 5: Discussion

5.1 General Discussion of Findings...62
5.2 Study Limitations...68
5.3 Conclusion & Recommendations...69

References....77

Appendix...83

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health Health Sciences, Hygiene Health Sciences, Epidemiology
Palabra Clave	Hygiene Sanitation Hand-washing with soap Water Hand Hygiene
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Null, Clair, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	International Non-governmental organization (e.g., CARE, Inc.)

Última modificación

Primary PDF

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions
	Determinants of Hand-washing with Soap: Evidence from Primary Schools in Bangladesh ()	2018-08-28 14:34:42 -0400	Press to Select an action Download

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Actions