Changes in knowledge and practice of handwashing among mothers of children under age 11 after communication intervention in three provinces of Dien Bien, Tuyen Quang, Dak Lak, 2019

Abstract

Study was conducted to describe knowledge and practice of handwashing among mothers with children under age 11 in three provinces of Dien Bien, Tuyen Quang, Dak Lak after two years of communication intervention. Study design was a cross - sectional with a pre - post intervention comparision. In each province, 100 mothers/ child caregivers with children under age 11 from 5 communes were recruited. Handwashing with soap knowledge was measured by questionnaires while practice was observed by “Sticker diary” method and handwashing place checklist. Changes in current knowledge and practice were compared with data of pre-intervention survey. Result: Knowledge and practice on handwashing with soap among participants after defecation was 86.5% and 54.0%, increased by 12.0% and 33.1% compared to pre - intervention; after cleaning child was 23.4% and 26.3%, increased by 9.6% and 24.5% compared to preintervention; prevalence of household having water and soap at handwashing place was 85.0%, increased by 8.8% compared to pre-intervention. Knowledge and practice of handwashing among participants have improved after behavior change communication intervention. Therefore, these activities should be continued to enhance hygiene behaviors in the community.