Assignment Name: Formative Research for Hygiene and Sanitation Behavior Change Design

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: Plan International, UK (implemented in Bangladesh in collaboration with WaterAid)

The “Formative Research for Hygiene and Sanitation Behavior Change Design” was conducted under the South Asia WASH Results Programme (SAWRP-II), led by Plan International UK and implemented in Bangladesh in collaboration with WaterAid. The project, funded by Plan International UK, aimed to deepen understanding of hygiene and sanitation behaviors in three project locations: Bhola Sadar (Bhola), Ulipur (Kurigram), and Ullapara (Sirajganj). The study sought to identify key motivations, social norms, and enabling factors that influence hygiene practices to design effective behavior change interventions.

The research focused on four key behaviors:

• Handwashing with Soap: Increasing regular practice at critical times (e.g., after defecation and before food preparation).
• Clean Latrine Use: Encouraging the consistent use of clean latrines.
• Safe Disposal of Child Feces: Promoting proper disposal methods.
• Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): Empowering adolescent girls and women to manage menstrual hygiene confidently and safely.

By employing participatory research tools, including transect walks, routine scripting, and gender-sensitive WASH monitoring, the study uncovered insights into environmental, social, and psychological determinants affecting hygiene behaviors. It also assessed community perceptions, barriers, and facilitators, providing evidence-based inputs to inform behavior change design. The findings were synthesized to develop targeted, actionable strategies for sustainable hygiene improvements.

DM WATCH orchestrated a comprehensive range of services to ensure the meticulous execution of the formative research:

Inception and Planning:

• Conducted inception meetings with Plan International and WaterAid to finalize objectives and methodologies.
• Developed a comprehensive research framework incorporating participatory tools and gender-sensitive approaches.
• Secured ethical approvals and ensured stakeholder engagement from project initiation.

Desk Research and Tool Development:

• Reviewed existing literature and program documents to contextualize the study.
• Designed and piloted data collection tools, including FGDs, KIIs, and observation protocols, aligned with project goals.

Field Data Collection:

• Conducted transect walks and structured observations in Bhola Sadar, Ulipur, and Ullapara to map hygiene and sanitation resources and behaviors.
• Facilitated 16 FGDs across target locations, engaging diverse groups such as men, women, adolescents, and local leaders.
• Conducted 24 KIIs with stakeholders, including health workers, religious leaders, teachers, and local government officials.
• Implemented routine scripting and behavioral trials to capture real-time practices related to hygiene and sanitation.
• Engaged community members in network mapping and resource mapping to identify influencers and access points for behavior change interventions.

Gender-Sensitive Monitoring:

• Utilized Plan International’s Gender and WASH Monitoring Tool (GWMT) to assess gender-specific barriers and opportunities in hygiene practices.
• Collected data on menstrual hygiene management practices and challenges faced by adolescent girls and women.

Data Analysis and Interpretation:

• Analyzed qualitative data using thematic coding to identify patterns and determinants of hygiene behaviors.
• Triangulated findings from multiple data sources to ensure validity and reliability.
• Prepared visual aids, including maps and behavior flowcharts, to present findings effectively.

Stakeholder Engagement and Validation:

• Organized workshops with local government officials, NGO representatives, and community leaders to validate findings and gather feedback.
• Facilitated discussions on integrating insights into programmatic interventions.

Reporting and Recommendations:

• Delivered a comprehensive report outlining key findings, insights, and strategic recommendations for designing behavior change interventions.
• Proposed tailored strategies to improve hygiene behaviors, such as:
• Strengthening school-based hygiene education programs.
• Leveraging religious leaders and community influencers for message dissemination.
• Enhancing access to hygiene materials and facilities, including child-friendly and gender-sensitive latrines.

Capacity Building:

• Trained local partner staff in using participatory tools for formative research and monitoring.
• Shared practical recommendations to strengthen community engagement and ensure sustainability of behavior change initiatives.

Dissemination and Advocacy:

• Conducted dissemination workshops with Plan International, WaterAid, and other stakeholders to share findings.
• Developed advocacy materials, including policy briefs and infographics, to support broader WASH initiatives.

This research provided critical insights into the motivations and barriers to hygiene and sanitation behaviors in the study areas. The findings and recommendations served as a foundation for designing effective, sustainable behavior change strategies under SAWRP-II, contributing to improved health and well-being in targeted communities.