October 15 is ‘Global Handwashing Day’, an advocacy to increase awareness and understanding about the importance of washing hands.
Health experts and officials stressed the importance of handwashing even before the pandemic. But, this has become more apparent amid the COVID-19 crisis to prevent the further spread of the virus.
As noted, touching surfaces may lead to catching COVID-19. The CDC says that it is known as “fomite transmission,” which is a low-risk route of transmission but infection remains possible.
This is why washing hands is essential. It has a “direct, inverse association” with illness, and can prevent further transmission of the virus.
With this at hand, some health agencies studied the hand hygiene behavior of the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on results, the data showed apparent changes in these habits, according to Food Safety News.
The impact of COVID-19 on handwashing
In the United Kingdom, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), alongside Ipsos Mori surveyed 2,000 adults each quarter from April 2020 to January 2021. They also interviewed some individuals who did an app-based diary for two weeks.
As reported, the pandemic changed the handwashing habits of many for the better. There was an increase in the time spent washing hands and improvement in thoroughness, especially last year.
However, the study also showed significant changes in these acts as time passed by. Only 35 percent of the participants washed their hands for at least 20 seconds in 2020, and the share dropped to 31 percent in January 2021.
Even so, the research reportedly provided evidence that various factors influenced hand hygiene behaviors and habits. These include family, friends, cultural background, and educational settings.
Hand hygiene decline in Australia
The Food Safety Information Council also saw similar events in Australia. In marking the Global Handwashing Day last October 15, it released its study, involving over 1,200 Australian adults.
As stated, the data showed a 15 percent decline in the number of times the respondents washed their hands in comparison to last year. Some reported that they observed proper hand hygiene six or seven times per day, against the 7.5 times per day last year. The same goes for hand sanitising as the number decreased from 3.9 times to 3.3 times per day.
Most people did not wash their hands
The Conversation reported that most individuals did not practice proper hand hygiene enough before the COVID-19 pandemic. One survey reportedly found that only about 40 percent of people said they washed their hands six or more per day. Hence, the COVID-19 pandemic has, indeed, changed the hand hygiene practices of many.
Meanwhile, the FSA’s quarterly tracker in the U.K. will continue until next year. There are individuals who reportedly anticipate changing their handwashing habits when the COVID-19 pandemic ends. While some have already reduced theirs due to the easing of curbs, others want to maintain their new routines even beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
Images courtesy of World Health Organization (WHO)/YouTube