Abstract:
What is it that keeps people from washing their hands? Is it the time it takes (even though it can take as little as 10 seconds) or the cost of soap and water? Research is needed to understand the impediments of hand washing especially for reducing typhoid fever incidence in endemic settings. This study explored in multiple phases the perceptions of typhoid fever risks among urban squatters in Fiji and behavioural determinants surrounding hand hygiene practices. This study used a qualitative research methodology to explore perceptions surrounding typhoid fever risk factors as well as prevention. In addition, this project examined the drivers, habits, and barriers that influence hand washing behaviour. Indigenous Fijians grouped by age and gender from an informal urban settlement near Suva that had a historically high incidence of typhoid fever were invited to participate in this study. The rationale for this cultural and behavioural research is predicated on data showing infection disparities between Fijians in urban slums and rural areas with respect to age, gender, and ethnicity. Knowledge generated from this research will provide feedback insights for the design of sustainable, cost-effective, and population-specific hand washing behaviour change interventions in Fiji. It is anticipated that this research will be useful not only for providing valuable feedback about hygiene intervention efficacy as well as potential applications for feedback loops which can engineer target audience behaviour. Together with other public health measures, hand washing behaviour change interventions are one of the best hopes for preventing the spread of typhoid fever in addition to a range of communicable diseases in Fiji and throughout the Pacific region.
