There are four main ways of measuring hygiene behaviour change outcomes:
- Structured observation at households,
- Household spot-checks,
- Structured observation or spot checks at public facilities,
- Self-reported behaviour.
Below we describe how these can be applied to measuring handwashing behaviour and highlight strengths and limitations of each method in general, as well as during the COVID-19 outbreak. These methods can be adapted to measure other preventative behaviours too.
Want to learn more about adapting hygiene project outcome measures for COVID-19 response?
- What factors should organisations consider when deciding on data collection methods for COVID-19 response?
- Should in-person data collection be considered during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Is it appropriate and safe to conduct structured observations of household handwashing behaviour?
- Is it appropriate and safe to conduct household level spot checks of handwashing facilities?
- Is it appropriate and safe to conduct structured observations and spot checks at public facilities?
- What are the benefits and limitations of using self-reported handwashing outcome measures?
- Decision Tree - How to choose between household observations, spot-checks and self-reported behaviour outcome measures?
Editor's Note
Authors: Fiona Majorin and Julie Watson
Review: Deepak Saxena, Katie Greenland, Hans Mosler, Dr Robina Shaheen
Last update: 11.06.2020