Can behaviour change approaches improve the cleanliness and functionality of shared toilets? A randomised control trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Study on behaviour change strategies to help users keep their toilets clean and functional
Abstract
As part of its 2012 – 2015 DFID-funded research programme, Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor commissioned a research project in Dhaka to explore behaviour change strategies to help users keep their toilets clean and functional. This Discussion Paper presents the context, methodology, results and conclusions of the study.
This project demonstrated that a behaviour change communication intervention built upon in-depth qualitative understanding of the perspective and constraints of local residents could improve toilet cleanliness, even in the setting of severe constraints: notably water shortages and the absence of faecal sludge management systems.
The most important step towards improving environmental sanitation in Dhaka is to address the absence of any faecal sludge management system. To improve the quality and cleanliness of shared facilities, behaviour change strategies targeting the central role that landlords and community managers play can be particularly effective.
Citation
Mahbub-Ul Alam; Farzana Yeasmin; Farzana Begum; Mahbubur Rahman; Fosiul Alam Nisame; Luby, S.; Winch, P.; Unicomb, L. Can behaviour change approaches improve the cleanliness and functionality of shared toilets? A randomised control trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP), London, UK (2016) 32 pp. [DP#009]
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