Impact of knowledge and perception of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on the health behavior patterns of rural residents in India

Background and Aim of Study: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) was launched by the Prime Minister of India to accelerate the efforts for achieving universal sanitation. To ensure adequate participation, community must be sensitized about the mission objectives and its role in bringing the desired change. The aim of the study: to assess the knowledge, perception and practices regarding SBA among rural people, and to study the association between their socio epidemiological factors and awareness regarding SBA. Material and Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted for duration of 6 months (April to September 2021) at a rural area of south Tamilnadu. A sample of 250 subjects was included and was administered a predesigned, pretested, semi structured questionnaire. The responses were recorded and appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: Mean age group of our study participants was 47.6 ± 9.8 years. Television 126 (50.4%) and newspaper 41 (16.4%) were found to be the main source of information about SBA. This study showed out of 250 participants, 142 (56.8%) of them had good knowledge and 174 (69.6%) had good perception score. Our study found a statistical significant association between educational status and level of knowledge and perception score. Conclusions: The present study found that majority of the subjects were aware of SBA and were having positive attitude and perception but very less practicing in our day today life. Increasing awareness regarding health hazards of open-air defecation and improper disposal of solid waste will create a change in their behavior in adopting healthy lifestyle process.