Educational intervention to reduce disease related to sub-optimal basic hygiene in Rwanda: initial evaluation and...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Health Education

Background:

• Sub-optimal water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related diseases remain a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
• A simple educational intervention was assessed for its effectiveness and feasibility in Rwanda.
• The study focused on morbidity reduction and practical implementation in a low- and middle-income country context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the potential effectiveness of a basic hygiene educational intervention on morbidity in Rwanda.
• To explore the feasibility of implementing and evaluating such interventions in low- and middle-income countries.
• To identify challenges and potential solutions for intervention delivery.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was used, with two districts in Rwanda's Northern Province selected.
• One district received an interactive DVD-based hygiene intervention, while the other served as a control.
• Data on morbidity (intestinal worms, parasites, diarrhea, dysentery) were collected from health centers at baseline and follow-up. Qualitative data were gathered through observations and feedback.

Main Results:

• The intervention district showed a 39% decrease in intestinal worm and parasite cases, compared to 13% in the control district (p < 0.001).
• Diarrhea and dysentery case reductions were less pronounced but observed.
• Qualitative data confirmed high acceptability and feasibility, suggesting local personnel training as a beneficial approach.

Conclusions:

• The educational intervention shows promise for improving health outcomes related to hygiene in Rwanda.
• The intervention is feasible to deliver and evaluate, despite acknowledged limitations in this small-scale study.
• Further evaluation and potential early implementation are recommended based on these findings.