International Journal of Health Sciences

Applying Social Practice Theory for Intervention Targets in Health Risk Behavior: Case Study of Drinking from Orifice of Canned Drinks
Eucharia O. Ejechi, Ph.D; Bernard O. Ejechi, Ph.D.

Abstract
The use of social practice theories for identifying intervention targets in health risk behaviour was investigated using drinking from orifices of canned drinks as a case study in a Nigerian setting. Based on the social practice theory, the elements selected as possible targets for intervention were: canned drinks, sales refrigerators, coolers, retail outlets (materials); occasions for plentiful drinks, risk awareness (meanings); and hygienic habits of retailers, and their surroundings (competence). To determine the association of these elements with risk, orifices of cans from various outlets were screened for risk indicator bacteria (coliforms) while the frequency of drinking from the orifice, education, hygienic habits and risk awareness were ascertained from respondents/retailers with structured questionnaire. Prevalence of drinking from the orifice was 53.5-67.2%, but cleaning before drinking was lower (22.6-59.3%). Consumption of canned drinks was highest (43.5-45.8 vs 5.2-41.3%) at social events and travelling stations while logistic regression showed that orifices of cans from some retail outlets, environment and poorly cleaned/disinfected refrigerators and coolers were associated with risky (>102) coliform counts (P<0.01-0.05). Thus the association indicated them as intervention targets which can prevent contamination of orifices of canned drinks; and substantiates the usefulness of social practice theories in public health programmes.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v8n1a3