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The tables below identify several ‘risky’ or sub-optimal behaviours related to mask use, handwashing and physical distancing that could lead to increased transmission of COVID-19. They describe the factors that may influence these behaviours, potential ways of addressing these behaviours and additional resources. It is important that we do not blame populations if they are adopting these ‘risky’ behaviours. Rather it is important to take time to listen to their concerns and understand what is driving their behaviour. It is also important that this is not used in place of learning from communities on an ongoing basis throughout the pandemic. All ideas from these tables should be adopted in discussion with community members and adapted to the local context. You may need to also adapt the activities to cover different settings – for example the approaches used at a household level may need to be different to approaches in public settings (e.g. markets or transport hubs) or institutions (e.g. health centres, schools workplaces). If you need further advice on any of these topics please go to the Global WASH Cluster website or use the technical resources on the COVID-19 Hygiene Hub. For tailored support please email support@hygienehub.info.
See the following tables below for 1) Mask Use 2) Handwashing and 3) Physical Distancing.
1) Mask Use:
Risky behaviour: Incorrect wearing of masks
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Knowledge Comfort Norms Social support |
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Risky behaviour: Reusing or sharing masks
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Mask access Convenience Knowledge Soap and water access Waste disposal Disgust |
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Risky behaviour: Not wearing masks
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Mask access Regulation Affiliation Norms Social support Culture and fashion |
|
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2) Handwashing
Risky behaviour: Hands are washed with water only
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Access to soap Handwashing facilities Belief that water is sufficient to clean hands. |
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Risky behaviour: Hands are not washed at critical times
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Access to handwashing facilities with soap and water Access to sanitiser Physical environment Knowledge |
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Risky behaviour: Hands are not washed thoroughly
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Knowledge Convenience Water availability |
3) Physical Distancing
Risky behaviour: Attending social gatherings
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Norms Culture/religion Physical environment Regulation Knowledge |
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Risky behaviour: Being in close proximity to others in common gathering places
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Physical environment Norms Convenience Knowledge |
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Risky behaviour: Physical greetings (handshakes, hugs, kisses)
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Norms Culture/religion Social support |
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Risky behaviour: Not isolating when experiencing symptoms
Factors that may influence the behaviour | Examples of activities to address the behaviour | Resources |
Fear Convenience Physical environment Social support Income and other personal responsibilities |
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Editor's note
Written by: Global WASH Cluster
Reviewed by: Hygiene Hub
Version date: 06.03.21