Study on the perception of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and attitude towards cleanliness among the residents of urban Jodhpur

Context: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) is an ambitious project and has been successful in bringing a difference at the facility and infrastructure level, and the objectives of this programme can be achieved if people are aware of this mission and basic sanitation and waste management practices. Aims: To assess awareness and perception of SBA and attitude towards cleanliness among the residents of urban Jodhpur. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional survey was done in the largest mixed-income housing society of Jodhpur. Methods and Materials: A semi-structured questionnaire was designed for data collection. Sample size was 400. Participants aged above 18 years were included in the study. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using Epi Info Version 7.1. The data were evaluated using Chi-square test and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age of female participants were 30.02 <plus/minus> 11.34 years and male participants were 34.92 +/- 13.10 years. Mean perception about SBA for being able to communicate the importance of cleanliness was 4.8, i.e. lying between strongly agree and agree. No significant association was observed between educational status and attitude towards cleanliness (P < 0.005). A significant association was seen between gender and knowledge about SBA in terms of correctly mentioning the duration of the SBA programme (P > 0.005). Conclusions: Existing knowledge about SBA and perception towards cleanliness among participants were positive but still there is need of programmes and strategies that help in bringing positive behaviour among group of people who are reluctant towards adopting proper cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene practices.