Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) behaviour change research: why an analysis of contingencies of reinforcement is needed

Abstract

Diarrheal disease associated with poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) kills more than one million people every year. Safe WASH practices have the potential to greatly reduce these statistics but behaviour change interventions in the field have yielded little success to date. Currently, there is an emphasis on addressing cognitive processes to bring about changes in behaviour. In this review, a case is made for the benefits of a contingency-based perspective, focusing on the contextual antecedents and consequences of behaviour. The role of contingencies of reinforcement, not explored in previous WASH literature, is discussed as an explanatory framework for designing behaviour change strategies. A proper use of contrived reinforcers is recommended to counterbalance the natural reinforcers of convenience associated with risk practices. Recognising the role of consequences in the acquisition and maintenance of behaviour is an important step in the search for the answers urgently needed in the WASH field.

Leveraging applied behavior analysis research and practice in the service of public health

“…Although these problems are complex, an analysis of the contingencies responsible for behavior, or the lack thereof, will be critical. For example, Ginja et al (2019) outlined the importance of contingencies of reinforcement in water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions, which are often unsuccessful in changing behavior (Luby et al, 2018;Null et al, 2018). These WASH interventions target behaviors such as handwashing, drinking only treated water, and using latrines which prevent the spread of infectious disease.…”

Barriers and facilitators to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) practices in Southern Africa: A scoping review

“…Improved sanitation and hygiene are essential because they reduce environmental health risks [ 3 ]. Global diarrheal disease statistics show that more than one million annual deaths are related to poor WaSH practices as over one-third of the world’s population do not have basic sanitation [ 4 ]. Although adequate WaSH coverage is critical for improving quality of life, globally about 2 billion people do not have access to clean water [ 5 ] and over 263 million people walk long distances to collect water from rivers, streams and lakes.…”

Towards an Improved Ceramic Water Filter Paradigm: From Design Optimization to Participatory Implementation

“…Table 2. administrative drinking water source arrangements may therefore be considered a SMDWS (Bain, et al 2021). Significant research towards identifying optimum methods for accelerating associated progress has responsively emerged (Milman, Kumpel and Lane 2021, Martin, et al 2018, Ginja, Gallagher and Keenan 2021, Clasen, et al 2015).…”

“…Research into how health and behaviours change with time, wherein more frequent participant engagement and improved usage/maintenance support is provided, is therefore needed to better understand the health-related value of a CWF as a SMDWS. and Cantril (1947) -remains among those most popular (Fiebelkorn, et al 2012, Dreibelbis, et al 2013, Ginja, Gallagher and Keenan 2021, C. P. Sianipar, et al 2014, Martin, et al 2018).…”

“…Specifically, while scholars commonly suggest that knowledge communication is crucial to promoting certain behaviours (Dreibelbis, et al 2013, Ginja, Gallagher andKeenan 2021), limited research exists which exemplifies how to do so, and what impact it has. For instance, Tamas and Mosler (2011) promoted SODIS for two months to groups in Bolivia but found 70% of participants stopped using it after intervention.…”