Diarrhoeal diseases are among the
leading causes of child mortality and morbidity in Nepal. The possible reasons
as to why Nepali children continue suffering from enteric diseases including
diarrhoea may be the significant lack of basic determinants for better health,
such as access to safe water, proper hygiene practices and basic sanitation
services. Tackling Diarrhoeal diseases requires a comprehensive package of
protective, preventive and curative interventions. The main purpose of this
formative research was to understand current hygiene practices and their
determinants, and to prioritize key hygiene behaviours for addressing through
the routine immunization programme.
The study design was descriptive
cross-sectional exploratory formative research using qualitative and
quantitative methods. In total, 303 mothers were included in the study from the
four districts (Bardiya, Jajarkot, Myagdi and Nawalparasi) representing various
ethnic groups and educational backgrounds. From each district (considering stratification)
at least two Village Development Committees (VDCs)1 and one municipality2 were
randomly-selected for the study. All
health institutions, Immunisation (EPI) clinics/sessions, FCHVs and health
staff from these VDCs/municipalities were also identified as participants.
The study highlights the water and
sanitation status along with the key hygiene behaviors of mothers and the
possibility of integrating the hygiene promotion activities into routine
immunization. Despite the frequent diarrheal diseases outbreaks throughout the
country, efforts in improving the WASH status are not adequate and the hygiene
behaviors of the mothers are still below optimal level. It was noted that
physical barriers like shortage of gas/firewood as well as attitudinal barriers
like baby?s preference of cold milk, hinder to maintain optimum level of food
hygiene. There is a positive indication that the community is being aware of
diarrheal diseases, its causes and treatment. However, it was observed that
some children below five year of age were suffering from diarrhea. The study
helps in generalizing the prevailing hygiene behaviors of mothers in respect to
their child?s health and possibility of integration of hygiene promotion
activities in routine immunization.
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