A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Early Childhood Hygiene Interventions in Uzbekistan

Abstract This paper applies cost-benefit analysis (CBA

A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Early Childhood Hygiene Interventions in Uzbekistan

This paper applies cost-benefit analysis (CBA) technique to estimate the effectiveness of hand hygiene and oral health interventions in Uzbekistan for children of kindergarten age (3-6 years old). Our primary objective in this study is to apply CBA framework to investigate economic viability of hand hygiene and oral health interventions on respiratory diseases (influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia), intestinal diseases (diarrhea, hepatitis A, and helminthiasis), and dental caries and stomatitis. Though it is often difficult to attribute a specific hygiene intervention to a reduction in specific illness, our study shows that prevention of disease through hygiene promotion is cost-effective. To be the most effective, however, hygiene interventions should be accompanied by education and awareness-raising of teachers, parents and children