A Survey of Hand Washing Behavior (2005 Findings): A Survey of Hand Washing Behavior (2005 Findings) 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 Harris Interactive conducted 1,013 telephone interviews between August 19th and August 22nd 2005. 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.


Methodology – Public Attractions Observations: 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.


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. 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: 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 %


Hand Washing HabitsHow 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… 2005 42% (16%) 2005 77% (14%) 2005 32% (23%) 2005 83% (10%) 2005 73% (4%) 2005 91% (6%) 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.


Slide13: – 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… Younger adults tend to wash their hands more frequently than older adults when it comes to petting a dog/cat, coughing/sneezing, using a public restroom or changing diapers. Older adults tend to wash their hands more frequently when handling/eating food, handing money or using the bathroom at home, compared to younger adults.


Slide14: – 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 –