A Survey of Hand Washing Behavior (Trended): A Survey of Hand Washing Behavior (Trended) Prepared for
September 2005
Research Objectives: Research Objectives The American Society for Microbiology and the Soap and Detergent Association are interested in continuing to monitor hand washing habits of people in public restrooms.
The objective of the research is to compare the actual observed number of U.S. adults who wash their hands after using a public restroom against the percentage who self-report that they wash their hands in several situations:
After petting a dog or cat
Before handling or eating food
After coughing or sneezing
After using a public restroom
After handling money
After changing a diaper
After using the bathroom in their home
The purpose of this research is to increase public awareness of the importance of hand washing.
Methodology – Telephone Survey: Methodology – Telephone Survey This analysis compares the two most recent waves of this study.
1,013 telephone interviews were conducted between August 19-22, 2005.
1,000 telephone interviews were conducted between August 22-26, 2003.
The data are nationally representative and are stratified by census region and weighted by gender, education and ethnicity composure to represent the U.S. population.
This method assures a valid national probability sample.
2005 Methodology – Public Attractions Observations: 2005 Methodology – Public Attractions Observations Harris Interactive observed the behavior of 6,336 individuals in public restrooms located at major public attractions in the U.S. and recorded whether or not they washed their hands after using the facilities. The research was conducted in four cities and at six different locations:
Atlanta – Turner Field
Chicago – Museum of Science and Industry and Shedd Aquarium
New York City – Penn Station and Grand Central Station
San Francisco – Ferry Terminal Farmers Market
Observers discreetly watched and recorded whether or not adults using public restrooms washed their hands. Observers were instructed to groom themselves (comb their hair, put on make-up, etc.) while observing and to rotate bathrooms every hour or so to avoid counting repeat users more than once. Observers were also instructed to wash their hands no more than 10% of the time.
Previously in 2003, Harris Interactive observed the behavior of 7,541 individuals in public restrooms located in major metropolitan airports in the U.S. and Canada, specifically: New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami and Toronto.
2005 Methodology – Public Attractions Observations: 2005 Methodology – Public Attractions Observations
Executive Summary: Executive Summary Ninety-one percent of adults say they always wash their hands after using public restrooms; however just 83% were observed doing so.
The percentage of people observed washing their hands rose slightly from 78% in 2003 primarily due to an increase among female washers (83% to 90%) compared to male washers (74% to 75%).
Among observational findings from public attractions in four major cities, the dirtiest hands were in Atlanta. One-quarter (26%) of people using restrooms in Atlanta at Turner Field did not wash their hands after using the facilities.
Across all locations, women washed their hands more than men (90% vs. 75%).
This disparity was most pronounced in New York City where 92% of women traveling through Penn Station washed their hands, compared to only 64% of men.
Americans also say they are likely to wash their hands after using the bathroom at home (83%), before handling or eating foods (77%) and after changing a diaper (73%). However, many do not wash after petting a dog or cat or after coughing or sneezing.
Slide7:
2003 Detailed Findings
Airport Observations: Airport Observations – Among Complete Sample – Based on the observation of 7,541 individuals in public restrooms located in major airports
Airport Observations: Airport Observations – Among Males – Based on the observation of 4,046 males
Airport Observations: Airport Observations – Among Females – Based on the observation of 3,495 females
Slide11:
2005 Detailed Findings
Public Attractions Observations: Public Attractions Observations – Among Complete Sample – Based on the observation of 6,336 individuals in public restrooms located at major public attractions % %
Public Attractions Observations: Based on the observation of 3,206 males – Among Males – % % Public Attractions Observations
Public Attractions Observations: Based on the observation of 3,130 females – Among Females – % Public Attractions Observations %
Slide15: – Among Complete Sample – Based on the observation of 7,541 individuals in public restrooms in major airports (2003 data) and 6,336 individuals in public restrooms located at major public attractions (2005 data) % Likelihood to wash hands was consistently lower at airports across New York, Chicago and San Francisco
Hand Washing Habits How Frequently Do Americans Say They Are Washing Their Hands?: After petting a
dog or cat
Before handling or
eating food After coughing
or sneezing After using the bathroom
in your home After changing
a diaper After handling
money After using a
public restroom Hand Washing Habits How Frequently Do Americans Say They Are Washing Their Hands? Always wash my hands (Usually wash my hands) – Total Sample – Q: I am going to read you a list of activities and I’d like you to tell me how often you make it a practice of washing your hands. How often do you wash your hands after… 2003
44%
(17%) 2005
42%
(16%) 2003
80%
(14%) 2003
31%
(27%) 2003
87%
(8%) 2005
77%
(14%) 2005
32%
(23%) 2005
83%
(10%) 2003
75%
(2%) 2005
73%
(4%) 2003
95%
(3%) 2005
91%
(6%) 2003
22%
(16%) 2005
21%
(18%)
Men and women alike are least likely to wash their hands after coughing or sneezing or after handling money. Men, however, are generally less likely than women to wash their hands regardless of activity.: – Men vs. Women – Q: I am going to read you a list of activities and I’d like you to tell me how often you make it a practice of washing your hands. How often do you wash your hands after… Men and women alike are least likely to wash their hands after coughing or sneezing or after handling money. Men, however, are generally less likely than women to wash their hands regardless of activity.
Slide18: – By Age – Q: I am going to read you a list of activities and I’d like you to tell me how often you make it a practice of washing your hands. How often do you wash your hands after… Whereas the oldest age group reported a greater tendency to wash their hands after most activities in 2003 compared to the younger age groups, 2005 results indicated a reversal of this trend, specifically related to petting a dog/cat and coughing/sneezing.
Slide19: – By Education and Income Level– Q: I am going to read you a list of activities and I’d like you to tell me how often you make it a practice of washing your hands. How often do you wash your hands after… Those with higher education are more diligent about washing their hands after using a public restroom or changing diapers; those with lower incomes are more likely to wash after petting a dog/cat, before handling/eating food, after coughing/sneezing, and after handling money.
Less than half of adults state that they always wash their hands after petting a dog or cat, coughing or sneezing or handling money: Less than half of adults state that they always wash their hands after petting a dog or cat, coughing or sneezing or handling money – Among U.S. Adults – Q: I am going to read you a list of activities and I’d like you to tell me how often you make it a practice of washing your hands. How often do you wash your hands after…
Over the past seven years, men’s admitted hand washing habits have declined slightly when it comes to washing their hands after using the bathroom at home, changing a diaper and before handling food: Over the past seven years, men’s admitted hand washing habits have declined slightly when it comes to washing their hands after using the bathroom at home, changing a diaper and before handling food – Among Males – % Q: I am going to read you a list of activities and I’d like you to tell me how often you make it a practice of washing your hands. How often do you wash your hands after…
In 2005, fewer women admit to washing their hands after using a public restroom: In 2005, fewer women admit to washing their hands after using a public restroom – Among Females – % Q: I am going to read you a list of activities and I’d like you to tell me how often you make it a practice of washing your hands. How often do you wash your hands after…
2005 Demographics: 2005 Demographics Gender
48% Male
52% Female
Household Income
23% Less than $20,000
12% $20,000 to $30,000
11% $30,000 to $40,000
7% $40,000 to $50,000
30% $50,000 or more
Age
24% Younger than 35
37% 35-54
36% 55 or older
Education
17% Some high school
30% High school grad
27% Some College
16% College grad
8% Post grad – Among U.S. Adults –