Validity of a visual analogue scale to measure and value the perceived level of sanitation: evidence from Ghana and Mozambique.

ABSTRACT: Two billion people globally lack access to a basic toilet, and sanitation is a critical determinant of health and well-being. Evaluations of sanitation programmes typically measure disease or behaviour, and visual analogue scales (VASs) have not been used to measure users' feelings about their level of sanitation. In this study, we assess the validity of a horizontal sanitation VAS numbered 0-10, with end anchors 'best imaginable' and 'worst imaginable' sanitation. In Kumasi, Ghana, we surveyed 291 participants before and after uptake of a container-based sanitation service. In Maputo, Mozambique, we surveyed 424 participants from treatment groups of a prior trial. We assessed construct validity by testing hypothesized associations between VAS scores and toilet characteristics and by respo

SUBMITTER: Cheung HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11724637 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature