Effectiveness of the Kutuba Campaign in Promoting Sustainable Hygiene Practices: A Comparative Study in Monze District, Southern Zambia

Introduction: The Kutuba campaign was implemented in Monze District, Zambia, as part of the Resolution to Revolution (R2R) project to influence sustainable hygiene behaviour change among healthcare facility (HCF) staff. The effectiveness of the campaign was evaluated by comparing key hygiene practices between HCFs where the campaign was implemented and those where it was not. Methods: A case-control study design was used. Data were collected from 24 HCFs and 58 staff members using semi-structured questionnaires and direct observations. Statistical analysis involved two-sample proportion tests and chi-square tests to determine the effect of campaign exposure. Results: The odds of following correct handwashing steps were 6.27 times higher for exposed respondents (95% CI: 1.56–25.25). This means that there is a significant improvement in correctly following the steps during handwashing by facility staff at exposed HCFs compared to HCFs not exposed. Similarly, exposed respondents had 3.71 times higher odds of drying their hands properly (95% CI: 1.15–11.89). Significant differences were observed in waste management practices, such as the presence of incinerators and ash pits, in exposed HCFs compared with non-exposed HCFs. However, the time spent on hand washing and the frequency of surface cleaning showed no significant differences. Conclusion: The Kutuba campaign effectively improved specific hygiene practices in the exposed HCFs. The campaign’s participatory and community-centered approach demonstrates the potential for sustainable hygiene behaviour change.