Hand Washing: Peer-Reviewed Studies & Research

Handwashing, a simple yet powerful tool, is our first line of defense against numerous infectious diseases. It's a practice that has been recommended by health organizations worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But how effective is it, and what are the best practices? Let's delve into the peer-reviewed literature to find out.

Why Handwashing Matters

Handwashing is a vital health practice that can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related illnesses and about 20% of respiratory infections, according to the WHO. It's particularly important in healthcare settings, where it can reduce healthcare-associated infections by up to 45%.

Several peer-reviewed studies have highlighted the significance of handwashing. A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that handwashing reduced the risk of healthcare-associated infections by 44% (Moss et al., 2018). Another study in the American Journal of Infection Control showed that handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by up to 16% (Aiello et al., 2008).

Best Practices for Handwashing

Now that we understand the importance of handwashing, let's look at the best practices. The CDC recommends the following:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

However, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that many people don't follow these steps correctly (Todd et al., 2010). The study showed that only 5% of people washed their hands correctly in public restrooms.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

According to the WHO, you should wash your hands:

• After using the toilet
• Before eating
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching animals, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• After touching commonly used surfaces or objects

Additionally, the CDC recommends washing your hands after handling cash, as it can carry germs (CDC, 2020).

Handwashing Techniques: Soap and Water vs. Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

Both soap and water and alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in killing germs. However, their effectiveness depends on the situation. A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that alcohol-based hand sanitizers were more effective than soap and water in reducing bacterial counts (Timsit et al., 2015).

However, soap and water are more effective when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not be effective in these situations (CDC, 2020).

Soap and Water	Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers
More effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy	More effective in reducing bacterial counts

It's also important to note that alcohol-based hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective (CDC, 2020).

Handwashing and the Environment

While handwashing is crucial for our health, it's also important to consider its environmental impact. A study published in the Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development found that handwashing with soap can lead to water scarcity and environmental degradation (Cairncross & Feachem, 1993).

To mitigate this, the WHO recommends using waterless hand sanitizers in situations where water is scarce (WHO, 2019).

Handwashing is a simple, yet powerful tool that can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases. It's a practice that we should all adopt, and one that we should teach our children. By understanding the best practices and the science behind handwashing, we can all play a role in preventing infectious diseases and improving public health.