Compliance with handwashing

Handwashing among female college students

Handwashing has been recognized as a critical factor in infection control policies. Whereas handwashing compliance among health care workers and school-aged students has been previously documented, practices among college students remain relatively unknown. The objective of this study was to determine handwashing compliance of female college students after using the bathroom. A researcher situated in a toilet stall unobtrusively observed handwashing compliance among 100 female students. Most students (63%) washed their hands, 38% used soap, 32% washed with soap for 5 or more seconds, but only 2% washed their hands with soap for 10 or more seconds. Fewer students left without handwashing when someone else was present in the sink area (9%) than when they were alone (45%) (P =.002). Substantial bacterial colony counts were found on a female bathroom sink faucet and toilet seat confirming the need for programs to increase handwashing compliance. Potential strategies to optimize infection control include harnessing the influence of peer pressure on handwashing and the installation of motion-activated faucets, disposable seat covers, and exit doors that can be pushed open. These results should be confirmed in a larger study that includes both male and female college students.

Hand washing. Simple, cost effective, evidence based ... lip service!

Hand washing is so simple that we teach our toddlers to do it. It's so important in our every day lives that facilities for hand washing can be found in every conceivable environment. Scientists, literature and the media give evidence on the benefits and in the art of good techniques. So why, in an environment where the management of infection is a matter of health and safety for all, is hand washing so low on our ever-growing list of priorities? This article examines the legal and moral issues of hand washing in relation to health and safety, concentrating on possible reasons for non-compliance and how these can be addressed.