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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1851-1856 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | American Journal of Public Health |
Volume | 104 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health