Research overview: The research associated with this dataset aimed to qualitatively explore whether the determinants of handwashing behaviour change during a cholera outbreak. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study involving interviews and group discussions. The transcripts of which are included in this dataset. Study site descriptions: The study took place Minova, in South Kivu in the DR Congo in October and November 2017 during the peak of a large cholera outbreak. Minova is situated on the shore of Lake Kivu and the town of 200,000 people is a recognised cholera ‘hot spot’. It also hosts a large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled armed conflict in neighbouring villages. This research included IDPs and Host community members. For the interviews participants were selected purposively based on their exposure to cholera. To do this we worked with health staff to identify cholera cases registered within the last three months. We also approached other households in the nearby vicinity to be part of the research, these households did not have recent personal experiences of cholera. FGD participants were sampled purposively to be similar in terms of gender, geographical regions and type of residence. Research framework: The research was informed by Behaviour Centred Design (BCD) which draws on evolutionary and environmental psychology to define domains of behaviour including cognitive processes, socio-demographic characteristics, the settings where behaviours take place (and the infrastructure, objects, norms, roles and routines that are associated with these settings) and the physical, social and contextual environment. 16 categories of determinants were pre-identified for exploration. Research Methods: In total 93 people took part in interviews and group discussions with 40% of these coming from households with one or more cholera cases in the last 3 months. 6 group discussions were completed involving 43 people. 6 participatory activities were included in the group discussions to explore current and past hygiene challenges, priorities, perceived risk, perceptions of cholera and preferences related to infrastructure and soap. 50 people participated in interviews. 9 participatory activities were used within the interviews to explore current and past hygiene challenges, water use, roles, routines, norms, motives, social networks, and contextual determinants. Full methods descriptions are included in the documents attached (at end). Interviews and FGDs were conducted in Congolese Swahili and as such there are some typos and grammatical errors in the English transcripts.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), handwashing, outbreak, Behavioural determinants, Cholera, hygiene