Examining Hand-Washing Rates and Durations in Public Restrooms

Abstract

Guided by Social Learning Theory, competing hypotheses tested whether personal, environmental, or behavioral factors influenced gender differences in hand washing. A total of 170 observations were made in public restrooms on a university campus. Results suggested that differentiating patron use of urinals and commodes was appropriate for examining hand-washing differences between women and men. The research found hand-washing rates of men and women were similar if both had just used a commode. In contrast, after using urinals, men’s hand-washing rates were substantially lower than commode users. Although environmental factors appear to have an overriding influence over men’s hand washing, duration data suggest that the specific behavior performed in a restroom (e.g., urination or defecation) was a better predictor of hand-washing rates and durations. These findings contradict gender-socialization theory as the explanation for differences in hand washing and warrant further investigation of environmental and behavioral influences.

The Common Missed Handwashing Instances and Areas after 15 Years of Hand-Hygiene Education

“…However, the medial aspect and back of the hand were the second and third most missed areas, respectively. Moreover, the interdigital area and the front and back of the fingers were the [2,3,6,[11][12][13][14]30].…”

“…In contrast, Pan et al found that the number of areas of the hands that were neglected during handwashing had no correlation with the demographic data (gender, age, or profession) of participants; they also found no significant relationship between the duration of handwashing and the number of missed areas [18]. Some studies have revealed that exposure to proper hand-hygiene practices through mass media and the availability of handwashing facilities affect general handwashing practice [9,10,13].…”

“…Also, previous studies have identified that gender, age, employment status, and educational level are the factors that affect an individual's hand-hygiene practices. In the US, Anderson [11][12][13][14]. In the US, Duggan et al found that there was a reciprocal relationship between professional education and handwashing compliance [15].…”

The Effect of Health Action Process Approach on Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control Measures Among Chinese Healthcare Workers in the Post-pandemic Period of COVID-19

“…The higher level of hygiene behaviors of females might be explained from the perspective of gender socialization theories. Cleanliness is a more important component of female gender roles because women are usually responsible for cleaning activities at home [29]. In addition, males might engage in preventive behaviors less frequently because of their greater tendency to normalize risk-taking behaviors [30].…”