Volume 30, Issue 4 , Pages 217-220, June 2002
The effect of a comprehensive handwashing program on absenteeism in elementary schools☆
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.)
To access this article, please choose from the options below
☆ 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
© 2002 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Volume 30, Issue 4 , Pages 217-220, June 2002
