People are more likely to wash their hands in the bathroom when they feel someone else is watching them at the sink, according to a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
The study, published in October in the American Journal of Public Health, looked at responses to electronic hand-washing messages displayed in gas station toilets in the United Kingdom.
Sixteen messages, such as, "Water doesn't kill germs, soap does," were flashed onto LED screens at the entrance of the toilets. But it was "Is the person next to you washing with soap?" which seemed to prompt the largest increase in hand-washing among men and women over the no-message control group.
Article
Social pressure boosts hygiene
Author(s):
Hand-washing more likely when others are watching
People are more likely to wash their hands in the bathroom when they feel someone else is watching them at the sink, according to a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
The study, published in October in the American Journal of Public Health, looked at responses to electronic hand-washing messages displayed in gas station toilets in the United Kingdom.
Sixteen messages, such as, "Water doesn't kill germs, soap does," were flashed onto LED screens at the entrance of the toilets. But it was "Is the person next to you washing with soap?" which seemed to prompt the largest increase in hand-washing among men and women over the no-message control group.
Newsletter
Stay informed and empowered with Medical Economics enewsletter, delivering expert insights, financial strategies, practice management tips and technology trends — tailored for today’s physicians.
New research upends obesity myth: It’s the calories, not the lifestyle
Ep. 73: Why physicians are suing RFK Jr., with attorney Richard H. Hughes IV, J.D., M.P.H.
Asset protection strategies for primary care physicians: Safeguarding your future
Ep. 72: Medicare reform with Susan Dentzer of America's Physician Groups
Lung cancer screenings can uncover treatable emphysema in patients
Eggs don’t raise ‘bad’ cholesterol, but watch the bacon; new MRI scanner maps the brain in microscopic detail; FDA moves to scrap 52 outdated food standards – Morning Medical Update
New research upends obesity myth: It’s the calories, not the lifestyle
Ep. 73: Why physicians are suing RFK Jr., with attorney Richard H. Hughes IV, J.D., M.P.H.
Asset protection strategies for primary care physicians: Safeguarding your future
Ep. 72: Medicare reform with Susan Dentzer of America's Physician Groups
Lung cancer screenings can uncover treatable emphysema in patients
Eggs don’t raise ‘bad’ cholesterol, but watch the bacon; new MRI scanner maps the brain in microscopic detail; FDA moves to scrap 52 outdated food standards – Morning Medical Update