Definition & calculation
Numerator: Number of respondents/households demonstrating or reporting handwashing with soap (or ash) at critical times
Denominator: Total number of respondents/households sampled
Assess handwashing practice at critical times through a mix of self-report, demonstration and observation of functional handwashing facilities with soap and water present.
Formula: (Numerator ÷ Denominator) × 100
Means of verification
KAP survey, structured observation, presence of handwashing stations with soap and water
Interpretation
Typical reporting frequency: Baseline, midline and endline (or annual)
Guidance & common pitfalls
Self-reported handwashing is heavily over-stated; where feasible verify with observation and presence of soap and water rather than relying on recall alone.
This library is a curated reference to adapt, aligned generically with recognised humanitarian frameworks (Sphere, cluster registries, IASC, CHS and others). It is not an official indicator registry — always use the exact indicator definitions your donor or cluster requires.
Related indicators
- Incidence of diarrhoeal disease among children under five in the target area
- % of households with access to and use of sufficient soap and essential hygiene items
- % of sampled water points / household stored-water samples meeting agreed safety standards (0 CFU E. coli / adequate free residual chlorine)
- % of target community members who can identify at least one functioning channel to give feedback or raise a complaint about WASH services