Impact of the integration of water treatment and handwashing incentives with antenatal services on hygiene practices of pregnant women in Malawi.
Access to safe drinking water and improved hygiene are important for reducing morbidity and mortality from diarrhea. We surveyed 330 pregnant women who participated in an antenatal clinic-based intervention in Malawi that promoted water treatment and hygiene through distribution of water storage containers, sodium hypochlorite water treatment solution, soap, and educational messages. Program participants were more likely to know correct water treatment procedures (62% versus 27%, P < 0.0001), chlorinate drinking water (61% versus 1%, P < 0.0001), demonstrate correct handwashing practices (68% versus 22%, P < 0.0001), and purchase water treatment solution after free distribution (32% versus 1%, P < 0.0001). Among participants, 72% had at least three antenatal visits, 76% delivered in a health facility, and 54% had a postnatal check. This antenatal-clinic-based program is an effective new strategy for promoting water treatment and hygiene behaviors among pregnant women. Participants had high use of antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services, which could improve maternal and child health.
Epidemic Intelligence Service and Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. asheth@cdc.gov
Anandi N
AN
Sheth
Elizabeth T
ET
Russo
Manoj
M
Menon
Kathleen
K
Wannemuehler
Merri
M
Weinger
Amose C
AC
Kudzala
Blessius
B
Tauzie
Humphreys D
HD
Masuku
Tapona E
TE
Msowoya
Robert
R
Quick
D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008295:Malawi; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000494:pharmacology; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D004202:Disinfectants; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite