Tropical Medicine and International Health
Volume 17, Issue 9, 2012, Pages 1133-1141

Hygiene and sanitation practices amongst residents of three long-term refugee camps in Thailand, Ethiopia and Kenya (Article)

Biran A.* , Schmidt W.-P. , Zeleke L. , Emukule H. , Khay H. , Parker J. , Peprah D.
  • a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
  • b London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
  • c International Rescue Committee, 122 East 42nd Street, New York, United States
  • d International Rescue Committee, 122 East 42nd Street, New York, United States
  • e International Rescue Committee, 122 East 42nd Street, New York, United States
  • f International Rescue Committee, 122 East 42nd Street, New York, United States
  • g Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States

Abstract

Objective To further the understanding of sanitation and hygiene in long-term camp populations. Methods Data were collected by structured observation of handwashing (126 households), a questionnaire on sanitation, hygiene and household characteristics (1089 households) and discussions with mothers. Random walk algorithms were used to select households for observation and survey. Respondents for qualitative methods were a convenience sample. Results Across all key handwash occasions [excluding events with no handwash (n=275)], soap was used for 30% of handwashes. After latrine use, both hands were washed with soap on 20% of occasions observed. Availability of soap in households differed across sites and mirrored the extent to which it was distributed free of charge. Qualitative data suggested lack of free soap as a barrier to 'safe' handwashing. Laundry was the priority for soap. In Ethiopia and Kenya, open defecation was practised by a significant minority and was more prevalent amongst households of rural origin. In Ethiopia, open defecation was significantly more prevalent amongst women. Conclusions Despite continuing hygiene education, rates of 'safe' handwashing are sub-optimal. Soap scarcity in some households and the prioritisation of laundry are barriers to safe practice. Heterogeneity with respect to education and place of origin may need to be taken into account in the design of improved interventions. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Author Keywords

Handwashing Refugees Hygiene Sanitation

Index Keywords

hand disinfection household questionnaire survey refugee health promotion Toilet Facilities Thailand human Refugees middle aged rural population heterogeneity Kenya algorithm Family Characteristics hygiene Young Adult sanitation hand washing Humans Adolescent prioritization male defecation preschool child female Risk Factors qualitative analysis questionnaire Mothers prevalence Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice health and safety Article data set Ethiopia mother household survey adult health education laundry data acquisition random walk method Soaps soap water supply Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84865562095&doi=10.1111%2fj.1365-3156.2012.03045.x&partnerID=40&md5=3be2ff773f67d8ba06c49a723c38a0d6
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.03045.x
ISSN: 13602276
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English