The Impact of Hand Washing Initiative on Young People in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Hand washing has been a lifelong practice because of its many health benefits, social and moral obligations. It is perceived to be one of the most important and cost-effective methods of preventing infectious and diarrhoeal diseases like the Coronavirus disease 2019, (COVID-19). (Ghana Health Survey, 2020). Promoting hand washing as an intervention for hand hygiene and behaviour change activity for continuous practice have been rolled out among young people so that they learn proper hand washing and maintain personal hygiene. This study assesses the impact of hand washing initiative among young people in the Eastern Region of Ghana.This is an exploratory and qualitative study that combines a Focus Group Discussions (FGD) of young people and In-Depth Interviews of key stakeholders such as parents, teachers, community leaders, health workers and NGO’s in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The data derived from the study was analyse using a qualitative technique such as thematic analysis to extract the key findings. During the study, ethical considerations were observed to protect respondents.Key findings from the study indicates that there is a general awareness of hand washing and its importance among young people. However, they find it difficult to adhere to the practice because of non-availability of basic items such as soap, water and knowledge of proper hand washing techniques. The study also revealed that key stakeholders contribute to promote hand washing initiative in diverse ways at home, in schools, health facilities and in the community. However, some stakeholders are predisposed to resources that enable them to achieve hand washing initiative. The least of those not predisposed to basic resources to support the practice are teachers, schools and community leaders because of shortage basic resources such as soap and water to support the practice of hand washing. This study concludes that despite all the efforts by young people to adhere to practice and key stakeholders’ effort to promote hand washing, they are confronted with basic challenges. Hence, the need to have basic resources such as water and soap in schools and communal areas, to advocate for young people to engage in global hand washing day and using young people as ambassadors to advocate for proper hand washing practices especially among their peers. Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Hand Washing Initiative, Non-Governmental organizations, Focus Group Discussion, Thematic Analysis, Behavioural Changes DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/11-4-01 Publication date:May 31st 2021

Knowledge and Use of Insecticide-Treated Net Among Mothers with Children under Five Years at Atua, Ghana: A Community and Health Facility Based Study

Treated Nets (ITNs) have been identified as one of the most effective tools for malaria prevention. Yet only three percent (3%) of African children are currently sleeping under an ITN, and about twenty percent (20%) are sleeping under any kind of net. The study sought to access the knowledge and use of ITNs among mothers with children under-five as well as identify the approaches to promote and sustain the use of ITNs. This study was conducted at Atua in the Manya Krobo Municipality among mothers with children under five through in-depth interviews and a Focus Group of Discussion with community volunteers and members. The research identified three (3) significant issues/problems relating to the knowledge and use of Insecticide-Treated Nets among the mothers in the community. The findings show that ownership of ITNs among mothers with children under -five was high and this was due to the free ITN distribution of the product, whereas knowledge of its usage was low since most mothers were ignorant about ITN fixing or hanging, consistency in usage, retreatment of ITNs and have different perception and misconceptions about ITNs. Secondly, the finding identified factors such as age, type of household arrangements, low knowledge, finance, perception, beliefs, and misconception as causes for low usage of ITN. Thirdly, although sensitization on ITN use had taken place within the municipality, it had not been effective enough to promote and sustain the use of ITNs.This study ranked the following negative impact factors and concluded that low know-how, financial problems, household dynamics, negative perceptions, and misconceptions of ITNs, impact negatively on effective utilization of ITNs among mothers with children under five years. The study, therefore, recommends that the public-private partnership should be adapted to ensure accessibility, affordability, and sensitization on ITN’s, their retreatment, and consistent usage. Also, there should be strategic education on behavior change to transform mothers’ perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes on the use of ITN in the community. Keywords: Acute Febrile Illness, Insecticide-Treated Nets ITNs, Plasmodium Parasites, In-depth Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, Roll Back Malaria, Thematic Analysis, Non-Governmental Organizations DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/102-03 Publication date:September 30th 202