Handwashing with soap and influencing factors in crisis-affected refugee populations in Kenya and Uganda
Crisis-affected populations such as refugees are exposed to a greater risk of communicable diseases due to poor living conditions and limited access to basic services, such as water, sanitation and hygiene services. Hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap provides a critical barrier to disease prevention, including diarrheal infections. This study aimed to understand the behavioural practice of handwashing with soap and the factors influencing the hygiene behaviour in two crisis-affected populations in Dadaab, Kenya and Kyangwali, Uganda. It is part of the R2HC-funded project to assess the effectiveness of the Jengu handwashing unit.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two refugee populations with structured observations to observe the general handwashing practices of individuals within the study households.
The study shows low levels of handwashing with soap in both settings, with the availability of soap and water for handwashing needs and presence of handwashing facilities fundamental. For improvements in handwashing with soap by all household members, interventions could benefit from further research on the influence of fixed handwashing facilities as well as the psychosocial determinants influencing behaviour change performance.