Water, Sanitation and Health Practices and Challenges during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Odisha, India. Emory University, University of Zurich, Independent Consultant, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Gram Vikas. 2021

Did the pandemic lead to behaviour changes in WASH practices? This research in rural Odisha reveals a change in handwashing practice due to COVID-19. People engaged in handwashing more frequently, followed a more thorough washing method, and/or used soap. These improved practices remained in place a few months after the pandemic began, and became a new consistent practice, suggesting habit formation. The results highlight the importance of ensuring communities have adequate WASH infrastructure to enable the practice of safe behaviors and strengthen resilience during a large-scale health crisis.