Effects of local handwashing agents on microbial contamination of the hands in a rural setting in Northwest Ethiopia: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of handwashing with water and wood ash in reducing faecal contamination of the hands.

Design

A cluster randomised controlled trial was employed with two arms: handwashing with water and wood ash versus handwashing with water alone.

Setting

Rural households of East Dembiya District, Central Gondar Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.

Participants

440 mothers and caregivers of children younger than 5 years assigned (1:1, 220 in each group) in clusters, with buffer zones between each cluster.

Intervention

Health education on effective handwashing was given to the intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group used wood ash of the same quantity (ie, one closed palm).

Outcome measu

SUBMITTER: Gizaw Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9109095 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature