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Clinical Trial
. 2010 Dec;83(6):1315-21.
doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.10-0211.

Impact of the integration of water treatment and handwashing incentives with antenatal services on hygiene practices of pregnant women in Malawi

Anandi N Sheth  1 , Elizabeth T Russo, Manoj Menon, Kathleen Wannemuehler, Merri Weinger, Amose C Kudzala, Blessius Tauzie, Humphreys D Masuku, Tapona E Msowoya, Robert Quick
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Impact of the integration of water treatment and handwashing incentives with antenatal services on hygiene practices of pregnant women in Malawi

Anandi N Sheth et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010 Dec.

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water and improved hygiene are important for reducing morbidity and mortality from diarrhea. We surveyed 330 pregnant women who participated in an antenatal clinic-based intervention in Malawi that promoted water treatment and hygiene through distribution of water storage containers, sodium hypochlorite water treatment solution, soap, and educational messages. Program participants were more likely to know correct water treatment procedures (62% versus 27%, P < 0.0001), chlorinate drinking water (61% versus 1%, P < 0.0001), demonstrate correct handwashing practices (68% versus 22%, P < 0.0001), and purchase water treatment solution after free distribution (32% versus 1%, P < 0.0001). Among participants, 72% had at least three antenatal visits, 76% delivered in a health facility, and 54% had a postnatal check. This antenatal-clinic-based program is an effective new strategy for promoting water treatment and hygiene behaviors among pregnant women. Participants had high use of antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services, which could improve maternal and child health.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Hygiene kits consisting of a covered water storage container with a tap, a bottle of WaterGuard, a bar of soap, two sachets of oral rehydration salts, and an instructional brochure.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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