Table 1 Summary of data collection procedures

Phase 1: Identifying barriers to fecal sludge management and target behaviors to improve waste disposal practices

(10) In-depth interviews (5 Vacutug operators; 3 female residents with child <2 years; 2 male residents with child <2 years)

To explore knowledge, perceptions, reported practices and barriers to fecal sludge management and waste disposal

Demographic characteristics of respondents, problem of usage toilet, existing practice of toilet use, way to keep toilet clean

Phase 2: Selecting and pre-testing behavior change communications and materials for waste disposal pilot intervention

(6) Focus group discussions (13 male residents/landlords; 12 female residents/landlords; 14 children)

To refine and select final behavior change communications and hardware for pilot intervention

How to improve the messages and the materials: content, characteristics and understandability of messages and size, color, shape, benefits of hardware

Phase 3: Conducting and assessing waste disposal pilot intervention

Pilot: Hardware provision, BCCs, courtyard sessions, household interpersonal communications, spot checks of bins

Assessments: (24) In-depth interviews (4 bin emptiers; 10 female residents/landlords; 10 male residents/landlords) & (2) Focus group discussions (18 female residents/landlords)

To explore knowledge, perceptions, reported practices and barriers to keep toilet clean, and to identify problems in using waste bin and practices for emptying and maintaining the bin

Knowledge and practice of waste disposal, attitude toward disposing waste in bin, barrier of using bin, motivational affect in promoting disposal of waste in bin