Bias in the perceived prevalence of open defecation: Evidence from Bihar, India

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jinyi Kuang, University of Pennsylvania; Erik Thulin, Center for Behavior & the Environment; Sania Ashraf, University of Pennsylvania; Alex Shpenev, University of Pennsylvania; Upasak Das, University of Manchester; Maryann G. Delea, Emory University; Peter McNally, University of Pennsylvania; Cristina Bicchieri, University of Pennsylvania
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-09-11
• Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2020 Kuang et al
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): https://doi.org/10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0238627
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: PLoS One
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 9
• Grant/Funding Information: This project was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Grant No. INV-009118 / OPP1157257). The funder was not involved in study design, data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation. Kantar Republic managed sample selection and data collection, but had no role in study design, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
• Keywords: bias; India; defecation; low-income; harmful practices; social group; perception
• Research Categories: Sociology, Social Structure and Development

Abstract

People often form perceptions about how prevalent a behavior is in a social group. However, these perceptions can be inaccurate and biased. While persistent undesirable practices in low-income countries have drawn global attention, evidence regarding people’s perception of how prevalent these practices are is scarce. Among those harmful practices, open defecation in India remains a significant public health concern, where it perpetuates the vicious cycle of disease and poverty. In this study, we focus on measuring the perceived prevalence of open defecation among respondents in Bihar, India. We examined the bias in perceived prevalence, which is defined as a pattern of deviation from the actual prevalence of open defecation. Results showed that respondents who defecate in the open overestimate the prevalence of open defecation, whereas those who consistently use toilets underestimate it. This finding suggests a false consensus bias in the perceived prevalence of open defecation. Scholars, policymakers, and program implementers who seek to correct misperceptions about open defecation by broadcasting real prevalence should be aware of biases in the perceived prevalence and address them in behavior change interventions.