Abstract
Background
Several studies have indicated a connection between hand sanitization and infection
control in numerous settings such as extended care facilities, schools, and hospitals.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of both a hand-hygiene message
campaign and the use of an alcohol gel hand sanitizer in decreasing the incidence
of upper-respiratory illness among students living in university residence halls.
Method
This study involved a total of 430 students recruited from 4 residence halls during
the fall semester at the University of Colorado at the Boulder campus. Dormitories
were paired into control and product groups. In the product groups, alcohol gel hand–sanitizer
dispensers were installed in every room, bathroom, and dining hall. The data were
statistically analyzed for the differences between product and control groups in reported
symptoms, illness rates, and absenteeism from classes.
Results
The overall increase in hand-hygiene behavior and reduction in symptoms, illness rates,
and absenteeism between the product group and control group was statistically significant.
Reductions in upper respiratory–illness symptoms ranged from 14.8% to 39.9%. Total
improvement in illness rate was 20%. The product group had 43% less missed school/work
days.
Conclusion
Hand-hygiene practices were improved with increased frequency of handwashing through
increasing awareness of the importance of hand hygiene, and the use of alcohol gel
hand sanitizer in university dormitories. This resulted in fewer upper respiratory–illness
symptoms, lower illness rates, and lower absenteeism.
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Article Info
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Copyright
© 2003 The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
