The influence of social networks on behavioral change and promotion of basic sanitation services in Mzimba, Malawi

Abstract

The global coverage of basic sanitation services is progressing too slowly to achieve universal basic sanitation by 2030, and in one out of seven countries, the use of basic sanitation is decreasing. Progress needs to accelerate to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 6 target 1.4; universal access to basic sanitation services by 2030. The study sought to investigate the influence of social networks on behavioral change and the promotion of basic sanitation services in Mzimba, Malawi. A cross-sectional study, involving 145 participants in Traditional Authority Mpherembe Mzimba was conducted. The study design adopted a mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative) in which Focused Group Discussions, questionnaires, and Key Informants Interviews were methods for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24 was used to analyze quantitative data and thematic analysis was used for analyzing qualitative data. Results showed that social networks were key in sanitation and hygiene information sharing. The most shared information was personal hygiene (91%). The study found out that networks could be very important in resource mobilization. Close to half of the respondents (44%) did not have a basic sanitation service because of lack of funds. Social networks significantly influenced individual sanitation and hygiene behaviors; environmental cleaning (p = 0.046), open defecation (p = 0.005), latrine sharing (p = 0.001), latrine utilization (p = 0.059), and building latrine (p = 0.032). These variables were significant at a 5% level of significance. In conclusion, social networks were identified to influence the promotion of basic sanitation services and behavioral change. The inclusion of social networks as a strategy for the promotion of basic sanitation and behavioral change in the sanitation policy would be recommended.