Relationship between Contextual Factors, Psychosocial Factors and Hygienic Practices of Tribes in Liberia

Abstract

This study determined the relationship between contextual factors, psychosocial factors and hygienic practices of the tribes of Liberia. Data were collected from six randomly selected tribes from three regions in Liberia. Convenient, stratified and random sampling techniques were employed to survey 390 household heads who were aged 15 years and above. A correlational design was used and data gathered were analyzed utilizing inferential statistics. Majority of the respondents were males aged 40 years and above and of the middle and high income category. Regression analysis revealed self-efficacy, social environment and cognitive factors as predictors of hygienic practices in terms of disposal of wastes, while self-efficacy, cognitive, policy implementation and cultural identity predicted handwashing. Additionally, social environment, self-efficacy, physical environment, cognitive and policy implementation predicted bathing practices. Respondents who had high income, high educational attainment and of the tribes C and E had a better practice on waste disposal. Those with high income and of the tribes D and C had a better handwashing practice, while those who had high income and of the A and E ethnic groups exhibited better bathing practices.