How do I prioritize which practice(s) to target in hygiene programmes?
Updated - Monday 28 November 2005
How do I prioritize which practice(s) to target in hygiene programmes?
The only way to make an informed/appropriate (sensible) choice of which practice(s) to target in hygiene promotion programmes is by first understanding what different groups of people know, do and want.
There are many reasons why poor women's practices may differ from rich women's and why women's may differ from men's. The same goes for boys and girls. Religion and ethnicity may also influence hygiene practices .
Different social research methods are appropriate for assessing key issues such as:
- What "risky" practices are widespread in the community?
- How many people employ risky practices and who are they?
- Why are these people/groups using these practices?
- Which risky practices can be altered?
- What motivates those who currently use "safe" practices?
Adapted from: Howard, G, et al.., (2002).Healthy Villages: A guide for Communities and Community Health Workers, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland (Chapter 9)
