Application of Nudge Theory in Reducing the Prevalence of Diarrhea through Safe Hand Wash before Meals.

Safe hand wash behaviour is a target to be achieved under Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 by 2030. Safe hand washing can prevent many infections and hence it is the least expensive preventive healthcare intervention. Insufficient hand hygiene can cause different infections like diarrhea. In India diarrhea causes 10.65% deaths every year. Hand hygiene should be maintained at least after defecation and before eating. With an increase in the safe defecation and access to toilets, it is expected that the hand wash with soap and water should be increased. However, 75% of Indian households follow safe hand wash behaviour after defecation but just 40% of households follow safe hand wash behaviour before eating. The present paper is focused to analyze the impact of hand hygiene before eating and occurrence of diarrhea. Technological intervention can bring the positive behaviour change for hand washing before eating particularly at workplaces/hospitals/ food courts. The overall behaviour can be positively changed with nudging through media campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]