Handwashing rates higher among females - Brief Article

AORN Journal, April, 2002

A recent research study found that female staff members in one hospital wash their hands more often than male staff members, according to a December 2001 article in the American Journal of Infection Control. Overall, female handwashing rates were 33% higher than those of males.

When comparing gender handwashing rates among professions, female physicians, wardpersons, and radiographers wash their hands more often than their male counterparts. No significant gender difference was noted among RNs and physiotherapists.

Study results, which suggest that there may be intrinsic differences in handwashing rates between genders, are indicative of previous research studies. In relation to profession, the low number of observations of some groups (eg, RNs, physiotherapists) may have skewed the findings somewhat. Whether health care workers received training regarding the necessity of handwashing also may have influenced professional differences. Other factors that may influence handwashing include behavioral cues from role models and the culture of the workplace.

Complying with handwashing protocol is necessary in the health care industry to reduce rates of nosocomial infection. Nosocomial infections contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs.

T van de Mortel et al, "Gender influences handwashing rates in the critical care unit," American Journal of Infection Control 29 (December 2001) 395-399.