Overview

Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Hand washing may seem like a simple task, however there are many challenges to hand washing implementation across the world. The Global Health & Innovation Lab is investigating the challenges of hand hygiene using an implementation science lens and are working to develop strategies to improve hand hygiene worldwide.

Importance

The simple combination of soap and water in hand washing remains the most simple and effective strategy in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Despite hand washing being the most effective and well-known infection control strategy, challenges remain in practicing proper hand washing behavior globally. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, there is a need to understand the factors that affect hand washing behaviors and to develop evidence-based interventions to increase hand washing.

Research Objectives

The lab is exploring and comparing factors that encourage or prevent communities from practicing effective hand washing behavior and alternative strategies that are needed in communities without access to handwashing resources. In addition, the Global Health & Innovation Lab is examining disparities in access to hand washing resources globally.

Implications

Researchers in the Global Health & Innovation Lab are identifying the gaps in global hand washing practices and uncovering the best approaches for implementing hand washing strategies. Based on the results, researchers are developing and adapting evidence-based strategies to ensure populations across the world can practice effective hand hygiene and reduce the risk of infectious diseases.

Related Publications/Protocols

• What are the barriers and facilitators to community handwashing with water and soap? A systematic review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37074999/)