title: Health promotion and disease prevention through sanitation education in South African Zulu and Xhosa women.
abstract: Poor sanitation and hygiene facilitate transmission of environmental diseases and pose a threat to the health of South African residents. This study focused on identifying sanitation needs from the perspective of informal community residents, addressing need related issues, and empowering Zulu and Xhosa women. The study used a multistep approach to identify and access communities of interest, reflexive critique during data collection from 300 heads of households, and a reiterative process to identify major themes. A process, which impacted 1,467 residents, was developed; it included culturally sensitive presentation styles and educational materials that facilitated understanding of sanitation concepts. Main sanitation themes were health knowledge and community role models. Educational sessions incorporated women. Using women as educators elevated their status and validated their community importance. Project participation added to the educational background of the Zulu and Xhosa women. It empowered them and provided an opportunity for them to articulate community needs.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Middle Tennessee State University, USA.
authors.forename: Maria A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Hari
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Garbharran
authors.forename: M Jo
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: O'Hara-Murdock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene / Q000193:education*; D007393:International Educational Exchange; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011209:Power, Psychological; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012499:Sanitation; D012944:Social Support; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013714:Tennessee; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards; D014930:Women / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology