PPPHW (Private-Public Partnership for Hand washing) Program Baseline Data Analysis: Report

Abstract

Abstract: The study described knowledge, perceptions, and practice of hand washing with soap among the target population at baseline, (2) assess whether the comparison and intervention groups are similar at baseline in order to determine if the comparison at later time points is reasonable, and (3) assess whether behaviors vary by geographical region. Among 1,035 households participating in this study, most did not have soap and water at a place where they typically wash their hands. The problem was greatest at the households from the mountain districts. Around 40% households had ash present at the hand washing place, with the lowest in mountain. About half of caregivers reported using soap to wash hands. There is a general awareness that hand washing with soap is a positive behavior, and the absence of hand washing as shameful and disgusting, but there is lack of habit. Of the 83 schools included in the baseline, 86% had a designated place to wash hands. Improving access to hand washing materials at the common hand washing place, especially among households in the mountain region is critical. There is a need for improvement in knowledge of hand washing before eating and before feeding a child, and the use of soap to wash hands at those times. There is substantial need to improve hand washing infrastructure and availability of materials for hand washing in schools. The PPPHW program should address availability of hand washing materials at the common hand washing place in households, especially among households in the mountain region among schools. Health facilities should universally have soap and water available for hand washing. Keywords: hand washing; households; materials; place; public-private partnership.