More than eight in 10 adults (85%) washed their hands after using public restrooms in 2010, up from 77% in 2007, and the highest proportion ever observed, according to the American Cleaning Institute. Nearly all adults (96%) claim to always wash their hands, however.
Women typically outperform men when it comes to post-restroom hygiene. More than nine in 10 women (93%) in public restrooms washed their hands in 2010, up from 88% in 2007. More than three quarters of men in public restrooms (77%) washed their hands, up from 66% in 2007.
Adults have become more truthful about their handwashing behavior — researchers found smaller gaps between observed and self-reported behavior in 2010 than in 2007.
Location affects handwashing behavior; men are least likely to wash their hands at sports stadiums and most likely to wash them at museums. Women are least likely to wash their hands at train stations and most likely to wash them at museums and sports stadiums.
• 89% of adults say they always wash their hands after using the bathroom at home.
• 82% say they always wash their hands after changing diapers.
• 39% say they always wash their hands after sneezing or coughing.
• 27% say they always wash their hands after handling money.
More than seven in 10 adults (74%) use antibacterial soap, according to a separate study from the same organization. [Human Behavior]
Source: American Cleaning Institute, Brian Sansoni, 1331 L St., NW, Ste. 650, Washington, DC 20005; 202-347-2900; bsansoni@cleaninginstitute.org; www.cleaninginstitute.org. Price: Contact for information.
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