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Increasing hand washing compliance with a simple visual cue

Author

Listed:
  • Ford, E.W.
  • Boyer, B.T.
  • Menachemi, N.
  • Huerta, T.R.

Abstract

We tested the efficacy of a simple, visual cue to increase hand washing with soap and water. Automated towel dispensers in 8 public bathrooms were set to present a towel either with or without activation by users. We set the 2 modes to operate alternately for 10 weeks. Wireless sensors were used to record entry into bathrooms. Towel and soap consumption rates were checked weekly. There were 97 351 hand-washing opportunities across all restrooms. Towel use was 22.6% higher (P = .05) and soap use was 13.3% higher (P = .003) when the dispenser presented the towel without user activation than when activation was required. Results showed that a visual cue can increase hand-washing compliance in public facilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Ford, E.W. & Boyer, B.T. & Menachemi, N. & Huerta, T.R., 2014. "Increasing hand washing compliance with a simple visual cue," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(10), pages 1851-1856.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301477_6
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301477
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    Cited by:

    1. Peter D. Lunn & Cameron A. Belton & Ciarán Lavin & Féidhlim P. McGowan & Shane Timmons & Deirdre A. Robertson, 2020. "Using behavioral science to help fight the Coronavirus," Journal of Behavioral Public Administration, Center for Experimental and Behavioral Public Administration, vol. 3(1).
    2. Tzikas, Alexandros & Koulierakis, George, 2023. "A systematic review of nudges on hand hygiene against the spread of COVID-19," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    3. Calvin Blackwell & Daniela Goya-Tocchetto & Zach Sturman, 2018. "Nudges in the restroom: How hand-washing can be impacted by environmental cues," Journal of Behavioral Economics for Policy, Society for the Advancement of Behavioral Economics (SABE), vol. 2(2), pages 41-47, September.

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