TY - JOUR
T1 - The effect of soap distribution on diarrhoea
T2 - Nyamithuthu Refugee Camp
AU - Peterson, E. Anne
AU - Roberts, Leslie
AU - Toole, Michael J.
AU - Peterson, Dan E.
PY - 1998/6
Y1 - 1998/6
N2 - Background. In January 1993, Nyamithuthu Camp in Malawi housed 64,000 Mozambican refugees. Communicable diseases, primarily diarrhoea, pneumonia, malaria and measles, contribute to substantially higher mortality rates in refugee populations compared to similar non-displaced populations. Method. A systematic sample of 402 households in one portion of the camp were surveyed for diarrhoeal risk factors, and then interviewed twice weekly for 4 months regarding new diarrhoea episodes and the presence of soap in the household. Two-hundred grams of soap per person was distributed monthly. Results. Households had soap on average only 38% of the interview days. Soap was used primarily for bathing and washing clothes (86%). Although 81% of mothers reported washing their children's hands, only 28% of those mothers used soap for that purpose. The presence of soap in a household showed a significant protective effect: there were 27% less episodes of diarrhoea in househoIds when soap was present compared to when no soap was present (RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54 <RR <0.98). Potential confounding factors were assessed and did not appear to be responsible for the association between the presence of soap and reductions in diarrhoea incidence. Conclusion. In summary, our findings suggest that the provision of regular and adequate soap rations, even in the absence of a behaviour modification or education programme, can play an important role in reducing diarrhoea in refugee populations. If subsequent study confirms the soap as a cheap and effective measure to reduce diarrhoea, its provision in adequate amounts should be a high priority in refugee settings.
AB - Background. In January 1993, Nyamithuthu Camp in Malawi housed 64,000 Mozambican refugees. Communicable diseases, primarily diarrhoea, pneumonia, malaria and measles, contribute to substantially higher mortality rates in refugee populations compared to similar non-displaced populations. Method. A systematic sample of 402 households in one portion of the camp were surveyed for diarrhoeal risk factors, and then interviewed twice weekly for 4 months regarding new diarrhoea episodes and the presence of soap in the household. Two-hundred grams of soap per person was distributed monthly. Results. Households had soap on average only 38% of the interview days. Soap was used primarily for bathing and washing clothes (86%). Although 81% of mothers reported washing their children's hands, only 28% of those mothers used soap for that purpose. The presence of soap in a household showed a significant protective effect: there were 27% less episodes of diarrhoea in househoIds when soap was present compared to when no soap was present (RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54 <RR <0.98). Potential confounding factors were assessed and did not appear to be responsible for the association between the presence of soap and reductions in diarrhoea incidence. Conclusion. In summary, our findings suggest that the provision of regular and adequate soap rations, even in the absence of a behaviour modification or education programme, can play an important role in reducing diarrhoea in refugee populations. If subsequent study confirms the soap as a cheap and effective measure to reduce diarrhoea, its provision in adequate amounts should be a high priority in refugee settings.
KW - Diarrhoea
KW - Hygiene
KW - Prevention
KW - Refugee
KW - Soap
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U2 - 10.1093/ije/27.3.520
DO - 10.1093/ije/27.3.520
M3 - Article
C2 - 9698146
AN - SCOPUS:0031845899
SN - 0300-5771
VL - 27
SP - 520
EP - 524
JO - International Journal of Epidemiology
JF - International Journal of Epidemiology
IS - 3
ER -