Researching on sanitation behaviour and practices in low- income settlements: the need for sensitivity, skill, and creativity

Abstract

Due to inadequate sanitation services, residents of low-income settlements practice open defecation or use other methods for faecal waste disposal. Such residents may not easily disclose their sanitation practices or behaviour since it requires them to disclose information that may be considered personal. Research on sanitation practices in these settings requires skill, creativity, and appropriate data collection methods. This article draws insights from research conducted in low-income settlements of Kisumu city in Kenya and explains how to skilfully and creatively collect data on sanitation practices. The research began with an exploratory study, followed by a quantitative and a qualitative phase. An initial exploratory stage led to an understanding of the context, the quantitative stage identified the sanitation practices, and a subsequent qualitative stage explained why residents engaged in some sanitation practices. Probing, use of skits, and group discussions encouraged respondents to openly talk about their practices. I posit that understanding the local context using appropriate data collection methods and flexibility to learn and unlearn are necessary when researching on sanitation practices, especially in low-income settlements. Documentation of the methods and experiences would further guide other researchers and practitioners in the sanitation field.