CLEAN: To what extent do US consumers follow techniques for hand sanitation that are associated with favorable food safety outcomes?

Moderate, consistent evidence shows that US consumers do not follow recommended hand sanitation behaviors.

The conclusion regarding consumers’ adherence to recommended hand sanitation is derived from five cross-sectional studies all of neutral quality. Studies have consistently shown that proper hand washing associated with food preparation (Abbot et al, 2008; Dharod et al, 2007a; Thumma et al, 2009) and bathroom use (Anderson et al, 2008; Thumma et al, 2009) is far less than optimal and needs to be better promoted (Comer et al, 2009). Two studies involving direct observation of handwashing behaviors during food preparation among college students (Abbot et al, 2008) and Puerto Rican home meal preparers (Dharod et al, 2007a) found a high degree of over-reporting of desirable handwashing behaviors during food preparation. This finding may be explained by a social desirability bias and indicates that results derived from self-reported hand hygiene behaviors should be interpreted with caution.

Abbot JM et al, 2008 (neutral quality), a cross-sectional study conducted in New Jersey, observed 153 young adults' handwashing behaviors during food preparation of two recipes and compared their compliance to established guidelines for the prevention and spread of foodborne disease. Mean handwashing knowledge was high at 72%, but young adults were observed performing only 25% of recommended practices. Only 37% knew the most hygienic way to wash hands. Females were more likely than males to wash their hands with soap and water after handling raw poultry (45% vs. 35%).

Anderson et al, 2008 (neutral quality), a cross-sectional, observational study, evaluated 1,400 observations of hand hygiene practices among college students in Texas. Comparison settings included soap and water; soap, water and visual prompts; soap, water and hand sanitizers; and soap, water, hand sanitizers and visual prompts. Overall, 72.9% of students washed their hands, 58.3% used soap or hand sanitizer and 26.1% washed their hands adequately. A significant association was found between gender and handwashing behavior, with more females washing their hand compared with their male peers (76% vs. 57%, P<0.001).

Comer et al, 2009 (neutral quality), a cross-sectional, observational and before-and-after study, determined the presence of publications encouraging the public to wash hands in Guilford and Caswell counties in North Carolina, focusing on 299 public restrooms in rest areas, convenience stores, restaurants and childcare facilities, as well as a retroactive assessment of soap and paper towel usage over a three-month period. Of the 299 sites sampled, 78% had a sign stating that it was state law to wash your hands before returning to work, but only 3.7% displayed hand washing publications aimed at the consumer. Soap and paper towel usage in public restrooms was inconclusive in determining the amount of handwashing related to a consumer education communication.

Dharod et al, 2007a (neutral quality), a cross-sectional study, assessed the magnitude of differences between self-reported and observed food safety practices among 60 Puerto Rican women recruited in inner city Hartford, Connecticut. Three home visits were conducted over four days: The first (day one) was delivery of food ingredients for preparation of chicken breast (CB) and salad meal; the second (day three) was household observations; the third (day four4) was a closed-end self-report food safety interview survey. Accuracy of self-report was calculated as follows: (Desirable self-reported food safety behaviors confirmed through direct observation) + (undesirable behaviors observed and then acknowledged through self-report) / total sample. The following behaviors were observed (% subjects): Washed hands with soap and water before meal preparation (25%); washed with soap and water after handling CB and before handling produce (25%). At all stages of preparation, self-reported handwashing with soap and water was greatly over-reported (only 37% accurately reported hand washing practices). Investigators conclude that over-reporting errors must be considered when interpreting data derived from self-reported food safety consumer surveys.

Thumma et al, 2009 (neutral quality), a cross-sectional study conducted in Michigan, evaluated handwashing practices of college students and the association with upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 463 male and female students enrolled in the study and 458 reported handwashing practices. Females were more likely than males to wash their hands at least six times per day (36% vs. 19%, P<0.0001) and to always wash their hands after urinating (69% vs. 43%, P<0.0001). However, self-reported frequency of handwashing was not associated with infectious illness symptoms.