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An intervention for the promotion of hygienic feces disposal behaviors in a shanty town of Lima, Peru
Abstract: This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of an intervention to promote improved hygiene practices in a shanty town area of Lima, Peru. Following formative research, the intervention focused on behaviors associated with the hygienic use of potties by children aged 15-47 months and keeping the home environment free from feces. A health communications strategy was developed involving delivery through routine health services, and using video presentations, leaflets and counseling by health staff during consultations. Intervention activities occurred during a 6-month period in health centers and posts of four intervention communities; four other communities acted as a comparison group. Process and impact indicators were measured through questionnaires and 4-h structured observations conducted in over 600 households both pre- and post-intervention implementation, and through intervention monitoring activities. The intervention materials and approach were well received by the study community; however, in the time-frame of the project only limited coverage of the target audience was achieved, which was insufficient to result in an impact on behaviors. Nevertheless sufficient positive features existed to suggest that with higher coverage, an impact on target behaviors might have been achieved. Reasons for the intervention's shortcomings are discussed and suggestions made for more effective implementation.