Using Wash’Em to Design Handwashing Programmes for Crisis-Affected Populations in Zimbabwe

A Process Evaluation

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15484348
AutoresAstrid Hasund Thorseth (0000-0001-8066-0233, University of London, autor de correspondencia), Jennifer Lamb (University of London), Constancia Vimbayi Mavodza (0000-0003-1651-5888, Biomedical Research and Training Institute), Mandikudza Tembo (0000-0002-4520-3317, University of London), Anesu Petra Mushangari (Practical Action), Eddington Zinyandu (Practical Action), Thomas Heath (Action Contre la Faim), Siân White (0000-0003-2402-6080, University of London)
Año2024
Volumen21
Número3
Páginas260-260
Fecha de publicación2024-02-23
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph21030260
PMID38541262
OpenAlexW4392097242
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas49

Wash'Em is a process that supports humanitarians in assessing and designing rapid but context-specific hygiene programmes in crises or outbreaks. The process consists of training implementers, using tools to learn from populations, and entering findings into a software which generates contextualised activities. A process evaluation of Wash'Em use was conducted in a drought-affected area in Midland province, Zimbabwe. Data were collected during the programme design and following implementation using a mix of qualitative methods. Findings were classified against the intended stages of Wash'Em, and the evaluation domains were defined by the UKRI Medical Research Council. The Wash'Em process was not fully implemented as intended. An abridged training was utilised, some of the tools for learning from populations were omitted, many of the recommended activities were not implemented, the delivery modalities were different from intended, the budget available was minimal, and the number of people exposed to activities were fewer than hoped. Despite these 'on the ground' challenges and adaptations, the Wash'Em process was considered feasible by implementers and was seen to be less top-down than most programme design approaches. The populations exposed to the intervention found the activities engaging, understood the content, and reportedly took action to improve handwashing behaviour. Programmes such as Wash'Em, which facilitate community participation and are underpinned by theory and evidence, are likely to yield positive results even if processes are followed imperfectly

Environmental health · Political science · Process (computing · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Computer Science · Medicine · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Psychology · Urban and Rural Development Challenges