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Translating Information into Action: A Public Health Experiment in Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Reshmaan Hussam

    (Harvard Business School)

  • Abu S. Shonchoy

    (Department of Economics, Florida International University)

  • Chikako Yamauchi

    (GRIPS)

  • Kailash Pandey

    (Harvard Business School)

Abstract

While models of technology adoption posit learning as the basis of behavior change, information campaigns in public health frequently fail to change behavior. We design an information campaign embedding hand-hygiene edutainment within popular dramas using mobile phones, randomly distributed to households in Bangladesh. We document no change in hygiene knowledge, yet substantial improvements in handwashing and health. Employing machine learning techniques with temporal data on media exposure and handwashing, we find that a combination of cumulative and immediate exposure predicts washing, consistent with cue-based habituation. Results highlight how behavior change may be induced by tacit, rather than explicit, knowledge acquisition.

Suggested Citation

  • Reshmaan Hussam & Abu S. Shonchoy & Chikako Yamauchi & Kailash Pandey, 2021. "Translating Information into Action: A Public Health Experiment in Bangladesh," Working Papers 2127, Florida International University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:fiu:wpaper:2127
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Syed Hasan & Odmaa Narantungalag, & Martin Berka, 2022. "The intended and unintended consequences of large electricity subsidies: evidence from Mongolia," Discussion Papers 2202, School of Economics and Finance, Massey University, New Zealand.

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