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. 2016 Jan 14;13(1):129.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph13010129.

Behavior Change without Behavior Change Communication: Nudging Handwashing among Primary School Students in Bangladesh

Robert Dreibelbis  1 , Anne Kroeger  2 , Kamal Hossain  3 , Mohini Venkatesh  4 , Pavani K Ram  5
Affiliations

Behavior Change without Behavior Change Communication: Nudging Handwashing among Primary School Students in Bangladesh

Robert Dreibelbis et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Behavior change communication for improving handwashing with soap can be labor and resource intensive, yet quality results are difficult to achieve. Nudges are environmental cues engaging unconscious decision-making processes to prompt behavior change. In this proof-of-concept study, we developed an inexpensive set of nudges to encourage handwashing with soap after toilet use in two primary schools in rural Bangladesh. We completed direct observation of behaviors at baseline, after providing traditional handwashing infrastructure, and at multiple time periods following targeted handwashing nudges (1 day, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks). No additional handwashing education or motivational messages were completed. Handwashing with soap among school children was low at baseline (4%), increasing to 68% the day after nudges were completed and 74% at both 2 weeks and 6 weeks post intervention. Results indicate that nudge-based interventions have the potential to improve handwashing with soap among school-aged children in Bangladesh and specific areas of further inquiry are discussed.

Keywords: behavior change; environmental nudges; handwashing.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
School latrine and water infrastructure prior to nudges in School (A) and School (B).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Nudges following final phase of construction, including: dedicated handwashing station, paved paths, and painted foot—and handprints in School (A) and School (B) (photo taken immediately following construction and prior to soap being made available during the next school day).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percentage of children washing both hands with soap following latrine use in two primary schools in rural Bangladesh. HW infrastructure (water tank and raised platform), Nudges: footpath only, and Nudges: footpaths & painting were completed the school day immediately following construction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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