AJIC: American Journal of Infection Control
Volume 30, Issue 4 , Pages 217-220, June 2002

The effect of a comprehensive handwashing program on absenteeism in elementary schools☆

Rosemont, Philadelphia, and Akron, Pennsylvania

From the Agnes Irwin School, Rosemonta; the University of Pennsylvania, College of General Studies, Young Scholars Program,b the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine,c Philadelphia; and GOJO Industries, Inc, Akron.d

Abstract 

Handwashing is one of the most important factors in controlling the spread of micro-organisms and in preventing the development of infections. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive handwashing program on absenteeism in elementary grades. Two hundred ninety students from 5 independent schools were enrolled in the study. Each test classroom had a control classroom, and only the test classroom received the intervention (education program and hand sanitizer). Absenteeism data were collected for 3 months. The number of absences was 50.6% lower in the test group (P < .001). The data strongly suggest that a hand hygiene program that combines education and use of a hand sanitizer in the classroom can lower absenteeism and be cost-effective. (Am J Infect Control 2002;30:217-20.)

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☆ Reprint requests: Maryanne McGuckin, Dr ScEd, MT (ASCP), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 605A Stellar-Chance Bldg, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021.

PII: S0196-6553(02)68131-3

doi:10.1067/mic.2002.120366

AJIC: American Journal of Infection Control
Volume 30, Issue 4 , Pages 217-220, June 2002

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