Use of Certeza point-of-use water treatment product in Mozambique

Abstract

Certeza, a branded and socially marketed point-of-use water treatment product consisting of diluted sodium hypochlorite solution, was launched in Mozambique by Population Services International (PSI) in 2004. Certeza is sold in 150-mL bottles at subsidized prices through the private sector and distributed for free during emergency situations. PSI also implements behavior change communication (BCC) activities to promote healthy behaviors related to water treatment. In 2007 and 2012, two large-scale, population-based surveys were conducted in selected districts to collect information from caregivers of children under the age of five on knowledge and use of water treatment products. This study presents changes in water treatment indicators between 2007 and 2012 and an assessment of the effects of exposure to BCC interventions on water treatment behaviors in 2012. The findings show improvement in most water treatment behaviors, after controlling for differences in the two surveys. Notably, ever-use of Certeza increased from 17 to 30% and current use increased from 10 to 25%. These improvements were accompanied by improved social norms, knowledge, and self-efficacy relating to water treatment. Moreover, exposure to PSI interventions was associated with practicing water treatment behaviors (those specific to Certeza use and also general water treatment behaviors).