Exploring Hygiene Behaviours Among Child Caregivers in Rural Malawi Using Multilevel Logistic Models

Collins Anusa (), Salule Joseph Masangwi, Kondwani Chidziwisano and Tracy Morse
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Collins Anusa: Department of Mathematics, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre 303, Malawi
Salule Joseph Masangwi: Centre for Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Appropriate Technology Development, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre 303, Malawi
Kondwani Chidziwisano: Centre for Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Appropriate Technology Development, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre 303, Malawi
Tracy Morse: Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing food hygiene behaviours among child caregivers in Chikwawa district, Malawi. This research focused on three specific hygiene behaviours: keeping utensils on an elevated surface, using soap to clean kitchen utensils, and washing hands with soap at critical times. These practises are known to contribute to the reduction in diarrhoeal disease. To understand these behaviours, this study utilised multilevel binary logistic models to examine variations at both the household and village levels. The findings reveal that educational background, age group, occupation, self-confidence, intervention, self-will, and perception were the most significant factors influencing food hygiene behaviours. Notably, there were significant variations at the village level ( p < 0.00001), while no significant variations were observed at the household level ( p > 0.1). Additionally, caregivers from areas where interventions were implemented showed a positive response to these interventions.

Keywords: child caregivers; multilevel binary logistic models; hygiene; behaviour (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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