Determinants of hand-hygiene practices in India: reflections from the 76th round National Sample Survey, 2018

Abstract

This paper studies the differences and determinants of handwashing practices in India and identifies sections of the population with poor handwashing practices who are relatively more vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have used the data from the recent National Sample Survey (NSS, 76th round) for India (2018). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses have been performed to predict the determinants of handwashing practices across states and socio-economic groups. Levels of education of the household head, Usual Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (UMPCE) of the household, access to water (other than drinking water) resources and sanitation facilities, and the availability of water with soap in and around latrine are major socio-economic and demographic factors that impact handwashing practices. Higher access to principal sources of water for drinking and other purposes, access to bathroom and latrine with soap, and the availability of water in or around latrine increase the likelihood of handwashing among the people. Universal handwashing across different sections of population will be effective to prevent further infection. The available data help us to identify the vulnerable sections of the population which are towards the lower end of the handwashing compliance spectrum. The policymakers can outline specific planning and strategy implementation for them.

Prevalence and determinants of hand hygiene behavior among Indian population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A total of 1,15,285 samples were studied in the meta-analysis. Of these, the study by Gupta and Anand 29 had the smallest number of samples (N = 106) and the largest number in the study by Biswas and Karmakar 30 (N = 1,06,837). Among the studies sought for meta-analysis, three studies were conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic 27 , 31 , 32 and two studies after the outbreak 29 , 30 .…”

“…Three studies 7 , 25 , 30 identified that education level is a determinant of HH practice. The households with high education levels for the head of the house reported a better rate of HH practices than those with lower education levels.…”

“…Three studies 7 , 26 , 30 reported that people living in rural areas and more crowded areas have a lower rate of HH behavior. These studies highlight an association of area of living with knowledge and access to hygiene resources, as people living in urban areas had better access to these resources.…”

“…Three studies associated higher wealth status with a better rate of HH practices 7 , 25 , 30 . Specifically, the lower economic population reported less affordability to obtain hygiene products for daily use.…”

Editorial: SARS-CoV-2 in water

“…Handwashing is a simple and effective hygiene measure. Biswas & Karmakar (2022) analysed data from a recent National Sample Survey for India to assess trends in handwashing across the country. They considered a very broad range of factors including caste, class, monthly expenditure, religion, together with water and sanitation access criteria.…”