23rd Annual Student Research Conference
College Students' Perception of Hand Washing
Amanda C. Grodie* and Mattie R. Allen
Dr. Joseph Visker, Faculty Mentor
It is important to investigate hand washing because it reduces germs from spreading and promotes wellness. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of hand washing among undergraduate students attending a small Midwestern university. Participants completed a twenty question survey assessing current understanding, perceptions and actions regarding hand washing. A total of 29.1% of participants correctly identified all the essential times of hand washing. Mean score for attitudes was 6 and standard deviation was 2.82, indicating that students had a more positive outlook towards hand washing. General knowledge understanding was low, with 29.1% of participants correctly identifying all of the essential times to wash ones hands. Sixteen of 55 participants reported they wash their hands for at least 15 seconds. Based upon the results of this study, students did not have adequate knowledge or behavior of hand washing even though overall attitudes were positive.
Keywords: Hand Washing, Sanitiation, Hygiene
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 5-5
Location: SUB-GEO
Time: 4:15