# Exploring Hygiene Behaviours Among Child Caregivers in Rural Malawi Using Multilevel Logistic Models

## TL;DR

This study examines factors affecting food hygiene behaviors among caregivers in rural Malawi, finding that village-level factors significantly influence these behaviors.

## Contribution

The study introduces a multilevel analysis of hygiene behaviors, highlighting the importance of village-level influences in rural Malawi.

## Key findings

- Educational background, age, and self-confidence significantly influence food hygiene behaviors.
- Village-level variations in hygiene behaviors are statistically significant (p < 0.00001).
- Caregivers in intervention areas showed positive responses to hygiene-related interventions.

## Abstract

This study aimed to explore the factors influencing food hygiene behaviours among child caregivers in Chikwawa district, Malawi. This research focused on three specific hygiene behaviours: keeping utensils on an elevated surface, using soap to clean kitchen utensils, and washing hands with soap at critical times. These practises are known to contribute to the reduction in diarrhoeal disease. To understand these behaviours, this study utilised multilevel binary logistic models to examine variations at both the household and village levels. The findings reveal that educational background, age group, occupation, self-confidence, intervention, self-will, and perception were the most significant factors influencing food hygiene behaviours. Notably, there were significant variations at the village level (p < 0.00001), while no significant variations were observed at the household level (p > 0.1). Additionally, caregivers from areas where interventions were implemented showed a positive response to these interventions.