Hand hygiene education, an underutilized tool in preventing emerging, re-emerging infectious diseases and seasonal epidemics

Abstract

Purpose: A common thread among most emerging infectious diseases is Hand Hygiene. So why isn’t more being done to introduce, educate and bring awareness of this improtant topic among our youngest members in the community. We created a fun scientific experiment with second and third grade students to see if education and intervention will bring about a positive behavioral change that will subsequently decrease the rate of illness during peak influenza and norovirus season. Methods & Materials: Ninety students cultured their “dirty” hands on a petri dish. Proper handwashing technique was demonstrate to all student. They were then divided equally into the hand washing group and the hand sanitizer group. All students then cultured their “clean” hands on a second petri dishes. The students observed, compared and documented their findings daily for a week. We then used a simulation germ that illuminates with black light to test the efficacy of their hand washing and see areas where they could improve. We followed the illumination along the classroom and each other to see how easily the “germ” spread. A light microscope, a microbiologist and slides of common pathogens were brought into the classroom for examination and discussion. Children were happy to share stories of infections they and their families have had.Results:1.91% of the students observed decreased microbial growth from “dirty” to “clean” hands.2.Education improved compliance as 89% had a favorable behaviorial change to clean their hands.3.There was a 71% decrease in incidence of illness related absences 30 days after the hand hygiene intervention.4.Three out of the five classes reported hand sanitizer was more effective when compared to hand washing. Conclusion: Hand Hygiene education is remarkable beneficial, especially in children who are at the greatest risk of illness. It is clearly effective in decreasing infectious disease risk, while teaching a valuable life-long habit. For the impact to be felt as a preventative strategy both for illness and emerging infectious diseses, its implementation into the elementary school curriculum is warranted. In the words of the Benjamin Franklin, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.