Table 5 Motivators of handwashing behavior, as reported by study respondents

When you use soap you smell good, the hands are smooth, and when you are with others, you feel you smell good and are not concerned about emitting a bad odor. (In-depth interview mother-respondent P18)

Before going to church, people must wash their hands with soap so that the hands are pretty and clean and they feel comfortable shaking hands and greeting others. (In-depth interview mother-respondent P13)

We feel happy, this is the sentiment you feel washing the hands (with soap) after using the latrine, the feeling of joy and pride. It gives us a peace of mind and we do not feel guilty, you will not have any concern about infecting someone else when shaking their hand on the road. (Male group discussion participant)

There are two things we are told. If you decide to settle in the camp, you have to follow the hygiene rules. If you don’t, you risk contaminating others. If you do not follow the rules, you must return to the village. (In-depth interview mother-respondent P5)

Here in the camp, we have had to make many adjustments. First, we have no work, we remain idle. The instructions we receive do not permit us to eat without washing our hands, which we follow out of fear that the community is going to condemn or make fun of us. (Male group discussion participant)