WASH Library title: Actions speak : the study of hygiene behaviour in water and sanitation projects

Boot, M.T. and Cairncross, S., 1993. Actions speak : the study of hygiene behaviour in water and sanitation projects. The Hague, The Netherlands: IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre.

• Local file: Boot-1993-Actions.pdf (11.4MB)

This book is the result of a workshop on the measurement of hygiene behaviour which was held in Oxford, England, in April 1991. The objective of the workshop was to capture the experience of a number (44 in all) of specialists in the field of water supply, sanitation and hygiene education. The hygienic use of new facilities represents the main mechanism by which improved water supply and sanitation systems try to improve health behaviour. This book explores how to develop approaches that bring about changes in human behaviour. A prerequisite for such an approach is the availability of information on some of the most personal aspects of people's lives. The book attempts to consolidate the lessons of past successes and failures into guidance on the formulation, implementation and analysis of a successful study of hygiene behaviour. A wide variety of observation and interview methods are described, together with suggestions for adopting the right combination of methods to local circumstances.

Subjects: hygiene | behaviour | beliefs | attitudes | health | social aspects | disease transmission | water-related diseases | sanitation | research | interviews | guidelines | information gathering | methodology;