Water shortage was a major reason why handwashing was not practised in a highland village in Guatemala. A water-saving device, the plastic 'tippy tap', was introduced in a trial project involving selected mothers.
| Title | 'Tippy tap' saves water |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1993 |
| Authors | Hurtado, E |
| Pagination | p. 6-7: ill. |
| Date Published | 1993-01-01 |
| Keywords | behaviour, guatemala, hand washing, health impact, household appliances, rural areas, water conservation, women |
| Abstract | Water shortage was a major reason why handwashing was not practised in a highland village in Guatemala. A water-saving device, the plastic 'tippy tap', was introduced in a trial project involving selected mothers. As a result of users' suggestions the 'tippy tap' was redesigned, children were also taught how to use them, and the men were trained in making and installing the taps. Ten months after the start of the intervention 54 per cent of the mothers were still using the taps, of which 61 per cent correctly. Although average incidence of diarrhoea had decreased in the intervention group, the difference with a control group was not statistically significant. A possible explanation was the hygiene education campaign launched by the Ministry of Health during the intervention period, which coincided with a cholera outbreak. Instructions on how to make a 'tippy tap' are included. |
| Custom 1 | 203.0, 276 |
| Original Publication | A handwashing communication intervention in Guatemala |
