Promoting Handwashing Behavior in Peru: The Effect of Large-Scale Mass-Media and Community Level Interventions

Abstract

This brief summarizes the results of a gender impact evaluation study, entitled Promoting hand washing behavior in Peru : the effect of large-scale mass-media and community level interventions, conducted between September 2009 and November 2010 in Peru. The study observed the impact of large-scale intervention that includes a mass media provincial campaign and a district-level community component on hand washing knowledge or hand washing behavior on the household level. The mass media intervention alone was not effective in reaching the targeted population with hand washing messages and failed to improve knowledge and beliefs of mothers and caregivers around hand washing behavior. The district level interventions were effective at getting their message to the target audience. The treated group was 19.4 percent more likely to report having received the messages. Care givers knowledge about hand washing increased by 6 percent and the availability of soap and water within the household increased by 8.4 percent. These changes did not lead to better child health including prevalence of parasites and bacteria. Funding for the study derived from the Water and Sanitation Project.