Association between WASH-Related Behaviors and Knowledge with Childhood Diarrhea in Tanzania

Natalie Bennion, Generose Mulokozi, Emily Allen, Margaret Fullmer, Gwen Kleinhenz, Kirk Dearden, Mary Linehan, Scott Torres, Joshua West, Benjamin Crookston and Cougar Hall
Additional contact information
Natalie Bennion: Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Generose Mulokozi: IMA World Health, Nyalali Curve, PO Box 9260, Plot 1657, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Emily Allen: Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Margaret Fullmer: Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Gwen Kleinhenz: Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Kirk Dearden: IMA World Health, 1730 M St NW #1100, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Mary Linehan: IMA World Health, 1730 M St NW #1100, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Scott Torres: RTI International, 701 13th St NW #750, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Joshua West: Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Benjamin Crookston: Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Cougar Hall: Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-11

Abstract: Background: Diarrhea remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Tanzania. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between diarrheal disease and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related behaviors and determine care-seeking predictors for diarrheal disease. Methods: Data from 9996 female primary caregivers were collected as part of a larger integrated nutrition program. Logistic regression was used to measure associations between predictor and dependent variables and diarrheal and care-seeking outcomes. Results: Knowledge of the importance of handwashing after assisting a child who has defecated (OR 0.79, CI 0.72–0.87), before preparing food (OR 0.88, CI 0.80–0.97), and before feeding a child (OR 0.89, CI 0.81–0.99) were each associated with not having a child with diarrhea in the past two weeks. Fathers or male caregivers (OR 0.65, CI 0.48–0.89) were less likely to seek medical care for a child with diarrhea. No associations were found between WASH-related knowledge or behavior and seeking medical care for a child with diarrhea. Conclusions: Findings indicate that knowledge of handwashing importance was significant in washing hands after assisting a child who has defecated, before preparing food, and prior to feeding a child. These findings demonstrate the value of parental involvement to lower morbidity and mortality among children.

Keywords: WASH; diarrhea; knowledge; behavior; communication campaign (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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