Hand Hygiene

The purpose of this project was to determine if the NSU community on main campus displayed proper hand washing techniques. The observations were conducted in the University Center and Parker building restrooms at the main campus of Nova Southeastern University. Over 35 days a total of 149 individuals were observed. Surprisingly, a total of 29% of those observed did not wash their hands at all. Of those who did wash their hands only 73% used a disinfectant. There were also gender differences in hand washing techniques. Eighty-five percent of all males washed their hands and of those 80% used a disinfectant, whereas, 64% of all females washed their hands and of those only 63% used a disinfectant. According to the Center of DiseaseControl and Prevention, ―It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds.‖ Another surprising finding was that of all those who washed their hands, with or without a disinfectant, not one individual washed their hands for the recommended time period. Overall, males spent an average of 7.5 seconds washing their hands and females averaged only 5.1 seconds washing their hands. The results indicate more public awareness of the consequences of poor hygiene is needed, as well as, a review of recommended hand washing procedures