The Association between Handwashing Practices and Illness Symptoms among College Students Living in A University Dormitory

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Citation

Thumma, Jyothi; Aiello, Allison E.; & Foxman, Betsy (2009). The Association between Handwashing Practices and Illness Symptoms among College Students Living in A University Dormitory. American Journal of Infection Control, 37(1), 70-72.

Abstract

We describe handwashing practices, the association of handwashing with upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, and the effects of gender on handwashing practices among male (n = 215) and female (n = 243) college students. Self-reported frequency of handwashing was not associated with infectious illness symptom reporting. Only a small proportion of males (10%) and females (7%) reported "always" washing their hands before eating. Females were more likely than males to always wash their hands after urinating (69% vs 43%; P < .0001) and after a bowel movement (84% vs 78%; P = .14). Identifying new strategies to increase handwashing may help prevent infectious disease transmission in residence hall environments.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2007.12.008

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2009

Journal Title

American Journal of Infection Control

Author(s)

Thumma, Jyothi
Aiello, Allison E.
Foxman, Betsy

ORCiD

Aiello - 0000-0001-7029-2537