Time to Wash Up
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Posted by Judy Arbique Sep 24, 2007 |
Think the next time a man offers you his hand, especially if he has just returned from a restroom.
A study released during National Clean Hands Week by the American Society of Microbiology and the Soap and Detergent Association suggests that women are better are washing their hands after using the toilet than men, and that people don't wash their hands as frequently as they say they do.
Although 91% of American adults say they always wash their hands after using public restrooms, 83% actually did so. An observational study of 6,336 people was conducted at 6 public attractions:
- Turner Stadium (Atlanta)
- Museum of Science and Industry and Shedd Aquarium (Chicago)
- Grand Central Station and Penn Station (New York City)
- Ferry Terminal Farmers Market (San Francisco)
Women washed their hands more frequently than men (90% versus 75%).
Fans at Turner Field had the worst handwashing record where 84% of women did wash their hands and 34% of men did not.
At New York's Penn Station, 92% of women washed their hands compared to only 64% of men.
The Ferry Terminal Farmer's Market and and Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry had the best record where 88% of people washed their hands.
In a separate telephone survey of 1,013 American adults, fewer people admitted to washing their hands after other high-risk activities:
- Using the bathroom at home: 83%
- Before handling or eating food: 77%
- After changing a diaper: 73%
- After petting a dog or cat: 42%
- After handling money: 21%
- After coughing or sneezing: 32%
Read More About the Importance of Good Hand Hygiene:
Public Restrooms and Handwashing: Faucets, Doors and Handwashing
Fingernails and Germs: Enterobacteriaceae
Money and Influenzae: The Potential for Infection
Chicks for Easter: Salmonella Concerns
Alcohol-Based Hand Cleansers: Effectiveness Against Bacteria and Viruses
Source:
Women Better at Hand Hygiene Habits, Hands Down