Promoting handwashing and sanitation behaviour change in low-and middle-income countries

Safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) behaviours, such as treating drinking water, washing hands at key times or using a latrine rather than defecating in open spaces, are cornerstones of building strong, healthy communities and reducing mortality due to diarrhoea and other preventable diseases. Many studies have shown the health benefits of WASH, and factors that affect initial adoption of short-term WASH use. Few have assessed the determinants of long-term, sustained WASH practice.

This report by Lemmi and colleagues is based on a systematic review that looked at the impact of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) on health, education, livelihoods, social inclusion and empowerment.