World Hand Hygiene Day Underscores the
Connection Between Handwashing and Health
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., May 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- While it's been four years since the Covid-19
pandemic disrupted lives, one behavior has left a lasting
impression: handwashing. That's based on survey findings of
more than 1,000 American adults conducted by Bradley Company, a
global manufacturer of commercial washroom fixtures.
For 15 years, the Healthy Handwashing
Survey has tracked Americans' attitudes and practices concerning
handwashing.
In 2024, the impacts of the pandemic remain – especially in
terms of hand hygiene and public restrooms. Today, 80% of Americans
say they are now more conscious of coming into contact with germs
in restrooms because of Covid, according to the Healthy Handwashing
Survey™. Stores, health care facilities and restaurants cause the
most concern about encountering germs.
"While there is a lingering sensitivity to germs that cause
sickness, the majority of Americans appear to have raised their
awareness of the importance of handwashing, and many have stepped
up – and continued – their handwashing behavior," said Jon Dommisse, Bradley's vice president of
business development and strategy.
"For 15 years our survey has tracked Americans' attitudes and
practices concerning handwashing. As we recognize World Hand
Hygiene Day on May 5, we reflect on
several ways Americans are prioritizing handwashing."
1) Practicing better hand
hygiene
Starting back in 2009, at the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu
virus, Bradley conducted its first Healthy Handwashing Survey. At
the time, only 45% of Americans opted to increase their hand
hygiene in response to seasonal virus increases.
The early days of the pandemic brought uncertainty about how to
avoid contracting coronavirus, causing a significant increase in
handwashing behavior. Specifically, in the spring of 2020, 90% of
Americans washed their hands more diligently, and were sudsing up,
on average, 10.5 times a day, compared to six times per day before
Covid.
In 2024, handwashing activity has leveled out at 74% of American
adults who wash their hands more frequently (or more thoroughly) in
response to seasonal virus outbreaks – a considerable rise from 45%
in 2009.
2) Relying on handwashing to stay
healthy
According to the survey, 95% of adults believe handwashing is
essential to maintaining their overall health – a viewpoint
that's nearly universal across gender, age and geography. In
addition to the physical benefits, there are emotional pluses. 72%
say they feel healthier or safer immediately after washing their
hands.
"Regular handwashing throughout the day helps remove germs and
viruses that can cause sickness," said medical microbiologist
Michael P. McCann, Ph.D., professor
and chair of biology, Saint Joseph's
University. "Hand hygiene is a simple and easy thing to do
and shouldn't be overlooked."
3) Focusing on handwashing when
traveling
During travel, 77% of Americans make a point to stop
in public restrooms in airports or during road trips
specifically to wash their hands. In fact, 67% make a point
to wash more diligently before a trip to
avoid sickness. When they are sick, 54% increase their handwashing
activity.
In terms of the public places that cause the most concern about
coming into contact with germs, stores (55%), hospitals/healthcare
establishments (52%) and restaurants (40%) top the list.
4) Ramping up handwashing when out in
public
Americans wash their hands 89% of the time after using a public
restroom. "The frequency with which the public wash their
hands after using the restroom has always been very high in our
survey," noted Dommisse. "The top reasons for not washing hands in
a public bathroom are empty soap or paper towel dispensers or a
nonworking or unclean sink."
Moreover, Americans are critical of others who don't uphold
public standards for washing their hands. Observing someone
who doesn't wash up leaves a negative impression for approximately
70% of respondents. Unfortunately, it's a frequent occurrence since
approximately 70% of total respondents see others leave public
restrooms without washing their hands, and men see this more
frequently (79% men vs. 59% women). More than 50% of
Americans have a negative impression when they encounter someone
with dirty or sticky hands.
5) Favoring touchless fixtures in
public restrooms
Americans' concern about germs in public restrooms is
accompanied by a desire to avoid contact with fixtures. In fact,
86% think it's important that restrooms have touchless fixtures, a
preference that has remained high ever since the pandemic.
"Touchless fixtures minimize cross-contamination of germs in
restrooms, improve restrooms' cleanliness and hygiene, and make
people feel more comfortable using these spaces," added Dommisse.
"Furthermore, 70% are more likely to return to a business offering
no-touch capabilities in its restrooms."
The top touchless restroom features considered most important
are faucets, flushers, soap dispensers and paper towel
dispensers.
The annual Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley queried 1,003
American adults Jan. 4-9, 2024, about
their handwashing habits, concerns about seasonal viruses and their
use of public restrooms. Participants were from around the country
and were fairly evenly split between women (51%) and men (48%). 1%
of survey respondents selected other.
For more information, visit www.bradleycorp.com/handwashing.
About Bradley
For more than 100
years, Bradley has been known as the leader in advanced
commercial washrooms and comprehensive emergency safety solutions
that make public environments hygienic and safe. Bradley innovated
the industry's first and most specified WashBar multi-function
touchless handwashing and drying fixture. Washroom
accessories, partitions, HDPE lockers, as well as emergency safety
fixtures and electric tankless heaters round out its product range.
Headquartered in Menomonee Falls,
WI, Bradley Company, a subsidiary of Watts Water
Technologies, serves commercial, institutional and
industrial building markets
worldwide. www.bradleycorp.com.
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SOURCE Bradley Company