Ernestina Azor-Martinez1, Elena Cobos-Carrascosa2, Maria Luisa Seijas-Vazquez1, Carmen Fernández-Sánchez3, Jenna M Strizzi4, Pilar Torres-Alegre5, Joaquin Santisteban-Martínez6, Francisco Gimenez-Sanchez7. 1. Distrito Sanitario, Atención Primaria Almería, España, C) Haza de Acosta S/N 04009, Almería, Spain. 2. Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Torrecárdenas, Almería, España, C) Ramon y Cajal N° 11 Villanueva Mesia 18369, Granada, Spain. 3. Servicio de Farmacia Hospital Torrecardenas, C) Hermandad de Donantes de Sangre S/N, CP 04009, Almería, Spain. 4. Roger Williams University, 1 Old Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809. 5. Unidad de Formación, e Investigación Distrito Almería España, C) Pablo Neruda 2, portal 12, 6° 1, 04009, Almería, Spain. 6. Universidad de Almería, España C) Paseo de los Sauces N°2 8°D Aguadulce 04720, Almería, Spain. 7. Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Torrecárdenas, Almería, España, C) Pepe Isbert 55, 04007, Almería. Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We assessed the effectiveness of a handwashing program using hand sanitizer to prevent school absenteeism due to upper respiratory infections (URIs). METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled, and open study on a sample of 1341 children 4-12 years old, attending 5 state schools in Almería (Spain), with an 8-month follow-up. The experimental group (EG) washed their hands with soap and water, together with using hand sanitizer, and the control group followed their usual handwashing procedures. Absenteeism rates due to URIs were compared between the 2 groups through a multivariate Poisson regression analysis. The percent of days missed in both groups were compared with a z test. RESULTS: Overall, 1271 cases of school absenteeism due to URIs were registered. Schoolchildren from the EG had a 38% lower risk of absenteeism due to URIs, incidence rate ratio: 0.62, 95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.70, and a decrease in absenteeism of 0.45 episodes/child/academic year, p < .001. Pupils missed 2734 school days due to URIs and the percentage of days absent was significantly lower in the EG, p < .001. CONCLUSIONS: Use of hand sanitizer plus handwashing with soap accompanied by educational support is an effective measure to reduce absenteeism due to URIs.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: We assessed the effectiveness of a handwashing program using hand sanitizer to prevent school absenteeism due to upper respiratory infections (URIs). METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled, and open study on a sample of 1341 children 4-12 years old, attending 5 state schools in Almería (Spain), with an 8-month follow-up. The experimental group (EG) washed their hands with soap and water, together with using hand sanitizer, and the control group followed their usual handwashing procedures. Absenteeism rates due to URIs were compared between the 2 groups through a multivariate Poisson regression analysis. The percent of days missed in both groups were compared with a z test. RESULTS: Overall, 1271 cases of school absenteeism due to URIs were registered. Schoolchildren from the EG had a 38% lower risk of absenteeism due to URIs, incidence rate ratio: 0.62, 95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.70, and a decrease in absenteeism of 0.45 episodes/child/academic year, p < .001. Pupils missed 2734 school days due to URIs and the percentage of days absent was significantly lower in the EG, p < .001. CONCLUSIONS: Use of hand sanitizer plus handwashing with soap accompanied by educational support is an effective measure to reduce absenteeism due to URIs.
Authors: Tom Jefferson; Chris B Del Mar; Liz Dooley; Eliana Ferroni; Lubna A Al-Ansary; Ghada A Bawazeer; Mieke L van Driel; Mark A Jones; Sarah Thorning; Elaine M Beller; Justin Clark; Tammy C Hoffmann; Paul P Glasziou; John M Conly Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2020-11-20