Elizabeth Scott1, Karabeth Vanick. 1. Simmons College Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community and the Department of Biology, Boston, MA 02115, USA. scotte2@simmons.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Upper respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal tract infections are the cause of a significant level of illness on college campuses. However, preventative measures such as handwashing and hand sanitation are often not well-supported, understood, or practiced on campus. METHODS: A confidential, self-administered on-line survey was performed during April-May 2006. RESULTS: Nine hundred and ninety-four participants completed the survey. Of these, 49% were undergraduates, 30% were graduates, and 34% lived in residence halls on campus. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the importance of creating an awareness of proper hand hygiene practices as they relate to the everyday context of a college campus. In addition, we believe there is a need for hand hygiene education targeted at students. Finally, we strongly recommend that college authorities provide soap and a means of hand drying in all residential bathrooms.
BACKGROUND: Upper respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal tract infections are the cause of a significant level of illness on college campuses. However, preventative measures such as handwashing and hand sanitation are often not well-supported, understood, or practiced on campus. METHODS: A confidential, self-administered on-line survey was performed during April-May 2006. RESULTS: Nine hundred and ninety-four participants completed the survey. Of these, 49% were undergraduates, 30% were graduates, and 34% lived in residence halls on campus. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the importance of creating an awareness of proper hand hygiene practices as they relate to the everyday context of a college campus. In addition, we believe there is a need for hand hygiene education targeted at students. Finally, we strongly recommend that college authorities provide soap and a means of hand drying in all residential bathrooms.