Purpose: This study aims to examine the behavioural and socio-cultural factors influencing the 
adoption and continued usage of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) sanitation facilities among 
tribal households in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. By integrating the Unified Theory of 
Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the 
research seeks to understand how awareness, social influence, perceived behavioural control, 
facilitating conditions, and behavioural intentions shape sanitation usage, attitudes, and 
perceived importance in tribal communities. 
Methods: A descriptive research design was used to analyse sanitation behaviour among the 
tribal population in selected Nilgiris villages. Data were collected from 211 tribal respondents 
through a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire administered via face-to-face 
interactions. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesised 
relationships among key constructs from UTAUT and TPB. Model fitness was validated through 
CFA and SEM fit indices. Ethical guidelines for research within indigenous communities were 
followed, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. 
Findings: The results revealed that all proposed hypotheses were supported. Awareness, social 
influence, perceived behavioural control, and facilitating conditions significantly and positively 
influenced behavioural intention toward SBM adoption. Behavioural intention strongly 
predicted actual usage of sanitation facilities, while usage practices positively shaped both 
attitude towards SBM and the perceived importance of sanitation. Usage practices emerged as 
the strongest driver of perceived importance, emphasising the role of experiential learning in 
sustaining sanitation behaviour among tribal households. 
Originality/Value: This study is among the first to integrate UTAUT and TPB in the context of 
sanitation behaviour within a tribal setting. While previous studies have focused on 
infrastructure or awareness components of SBM, this research offers a holistic behavioural 
perspective that combines individual beliefs, social norms, and structural support. The findings 
contribute theoretical value by extending technology-based behavioural models into a public 
health and rural sanitation domain. Practically, the study provides culturally grounded insights 
to guide policymakers, NGOs, and community organisations in designing more effective, tribal- 
sensitive sanitation interventions that go beyond toilet construction to foster long-term 
behavioural change.