6 Country sustainable hygiene study

Research has indicated that hygiene promotion, even in the absence of new construction, is associated with improved hygiene behaviours (Kanki, 2004). What is still largely not known is whether people continue new hygiene practices beyond a project intervention. Nor has there been much research to identify the particular aspects of an intervention that are associated with sustainable behaviours beyond the project period.

However, this information can lead to more effective water, sanitation and hygiene interventions. In addition, to advocate, or to convince decision-makers about the importance of hygiene promotion, we need to know more about the extent to which hygiene behaviours continue after
projects end.

Studies of behaviours can help answer questions such as:

• Did the hygiene promotion/education have an impact?
• What kinds of activities are most effective?
• Are new hygiene behaviours sustained in the household and community after the project ends?

To seek answers to these questions, a study was carried out in six countries over three years (2000 through 2003) by non-governmental organizations working in partnership. Each one designed and undertook its own research work. The IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre (Netherlands) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine supported technically and helped with the analysis.

Sustainability of hygiene promotion and education: a six country research study by K. Shordt, IRC, the Netherlands. Paper for the 30th WEDC International Conference, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 2004, PEOPLE-CENTRED APPROACHES TO WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION