Impact of the EDEN program on health promotion in rural Papua New Guinea: a cross-sectional study

Introduction The Christian Health Services of Papua New Guinea launched the Effective Development Empowering the Nation (EDEN) program in 2014 to strengthen health promotion, sanitation, and hygiene in rural communities. This study evaluated the program’s effectiveness in two rural communities. Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2021, among 141 randomly selected households in Butika, East Sepik Province, and Kem, Eastern Highlands Province. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Most participants reported satisfaction (90.8%) and involvement in health activities (92.2%). Household indicators improved significantly: toilet access increased from 15% to 85% (P = 0.002), rubbish pit ownership from 20% to 80%, dish rack use from 18% to 82%, and clean home environments from 22% to 78% (all P < 0.001). Participants retrospectively reported a reduction in household illness following EDEN implementation, with illness frequency decreasing from 75% before implementation to 25% after implementation. Conclusion EDEN significantly improved sanitation, hygiene, and health knowledge, demonstrating the effectiveness of culturally tailored, community-driven approaches in rural Papua New Guinea.