Abstract:
The global coverage of basic sanitation services is progressing too slowly to achieve universal
basic sanitation by 2030, and in one out of seven countries, the use of basic sanitation is decreasing.
Progress needs to accelerate to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 6 target 1.4; universal
access to basic sanitation services by 2030. The study sought to investigate the influence of social
networks on behavioral change and the promotion of basic sanitation services in Mzimba, Malawi.
A cross-sectional study, involving 145 participants in Traditional Authority Mpherembe Mzimba
was conducted. The study design adopted a mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative)
in which Focused Group Discussions, questionnaires, and Key Informants Interviews were
methods for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24 was used to analyze
quantitative data and thematic analysis was used for analyzing qualitative data. Results showed
that social networks were key in sanitation and hygiene information sharing. The most shared
information was personal hygiene (91%). The study found out that networks could be very
important in resource mobilization. Close to half of the respondents (44%) did not have a basic
sanitation service because of lack of funds. Social networks significantly influenced individual
sanitation and hygiene behaviors; environmental cleaning (p = 0.046), open defecation (p =
0.005), latrine sharing (p = 0.001), latrine utilization (p = 0.059), and building latrine (p = 0.032).
These variables were significant at a 5% level of significance. In conclusion, social networks were
identified to influence the promotion of basic sanitation services and behavioral change. The
inclusion of social networks as a strategy for the promotion of basic sanitation and behavioral
change in the sanitation policy would be recommended.
