IPROC iproc Iproceedings 2369-6893 JMIR Publications Toronto, Canada v8i1e36624 10.2196/36624 Abstract Abstract Impact of Multiple Hygienic Interventions on Caregivers’ Behaviors in a Conflict Setting, Yemen: Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial Khader Yousef Al-Taj Mansour PhD 1
Department of Community Medicine Sana’a University Modbah Sana’a, 00967 Yemen 967 1375535 mansouraltaj@yahoo.com
Al Serouri Abdulawed Prof Dr 2 Department of Community Medicine Sana’a University Sana’a Yemen Field Epidemiology Training Program Ministry of Public Health and Population Sana’a Yemen Corresponding Author: Mansour Al-Taj mansouraltaj@yahoo.com Jan-Dec 2022 7 2 2022 8 1 e36624 19 1 2022 19 1 2022 ©Mansour Al-Taj, Abdulawed Al Serouri. Originally published in Iproceedings (https://www.iproc.org), 07.02.2022. 2022

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 Background

Several household hygiene programs have been implemented by the Ministry of Public Health and Population and international nongovernment organizations to reduce the risk factors related to child morbidity and mortality in Yemen. However, no research has been conducted to assess the impact of such interventions on caregivers’ hygiene behavior. We therefore carried out a cluster-randomized controlled trial to assess whether such interventions could improve caregivers’ hygiene behavior.

 Objective

The study aims to identify the impact of hygiene promotion interventions on mothers’ practices related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

 Methods

A 6-month cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in Hufash District of Al-Mahweet Province in Yemen from May to October 2015. In total, 20 villages were randomly selected and assigned to an intervention arm that received hygiene promotional interventions and a control arm. In total, 358 households were interviewed at baseline and the endpoint. A logistic regression model was fitted to data, and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was used to estimate the effect size of the intervention.

 Results

The intervention made significant improvements in caregivers’ handwashing after using a latrine (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.75-3.90) and before feeding the baby (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.14-2.92), safe disposal of child feces (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.35-2.53), covering of remaining food (AOR 1.1, 95% CI 1.08-1.19), cleaning of cooking utensils (AOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08-1.51), and cleanness of drinking water storage containers (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.17-1.46). However, the intervention had no effect on caregivers’ handwashing practices after cleaning child feces, before preparing food, and before eating a meal, as well as no improvement in cleanness of the floor of the kitchen.

 Conclusions

The findings from this trial reveal the important role that hygiene promotion can play in improving caregivers’ behaviors that could lead to better child health in high-risk communities where access to primary health care is limited.

 Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03810430; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03810430

 hygiene intervention Yemen