Hand hygiene is a simple task, but many skip it. Do you wash your hands every time you use the toilet? How about before preparing food? A recent report by Australia’s Food Safety Information Council reveals some worrying statistics about hand washing habits in the country.
The report surveyed 1,229 Australians on their hand washing practices. Shockingly, 19% of Australians don’t wash their hands every time they use the toilet. Even more alarming, 42% admit they don’t always wash their hands before handling food.
WOMEN VS. MEN: WHO WASHES HANDS MORE?
Women are slightly better at washing their hands after using the toilet than men. The survey found 80% of men washed their hands every time, compared to 83% of women. But, the gap widens in washing hands before food preparation. Only 55% of men wash their hands. In contrast, 62% of women do the same.
HAND WASHING BY AGE: WHO’S LEADING?
Age also plays a role in hand hygiene. Younger Australians, who are under the age of 34, have poorer habits. Only 69% wash their hands every time they use the toilet. The figure jumps to 86% for those over the age of 65. Older adults are clearly leading in hand hygiene.
WHY DON’T PEOPLE WASH THEIR HANDS?
Public health messaging often emphasizes how to wash hands, but less on why people may skip it. Research in India found that 91% of schoolchildren didn’t perceive a significant health risk from skipping hand washing. They did not think it was necessary after using the toilet. Some even cited the inability to see germs as a barrier. Peer influence plays a role too, as 72% said they would wash their hands if their friends did.
The reasons for poor hand washing likely vary by age and circumstance. Nonetheless, it’s clear that more needs to be done to encourage consistent hand hygiene.
THE HIDDEN RISKS OF SKIPPING HAND WASHING
The risks of poor hand washing are severe. Human urine and faeces are full of germs—especially faeces, which has over 100 billion germs per gram. After using the toilet, if you don’t wash your hands, you transfer germs to surfaces. This increases the risk of infection for others. This is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, like older adults and cancer patients.
HAND WASHING BEFORE FOOD: WHY IT MATTERS
Washing your hands before handling food is equally important. Failing to do so can lead to transferring germs to food, which can multiply and cause illness. Common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea.
Some foods, like raw poultry, already carry harmful bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter. You risk spreading bacteria to other surfaces if you don’t wash your hands after handling these foods. This action creates a cycle of contamination.
THE RIGHT WAY TO WASH YOUR HANDS
Follow these simple steps to wash your hands effectively:
- Wet your hands and apply soap. Rub your hands together to create a lather. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, making sure to clean between your fingers and under your nails. A nail brush can help.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove the germs.
- Dry your hands on a clean towel for at least 20 seconds. Touching surfaces with moist hands encourages bacteria to transfer.
WHAT ABOUT HAND SANITISER?
Hand sanitiser is a convenient choice when water isn’t available. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are effective against a wide range of bacteria and viruses. They are also effective against those that cause gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Still, they are ineffective if your hands are visibly soiled with organic matter like blood, faeces, or dirt. In such cases, soap and water are essential.
HAND WASHING: A SIMPLE, YET VITAL PRACTICE
Hand washing is like wearing a seatbelt—you do it every time you drive, not just when you expect an accident. It’s a quick, simple step that benefits not just you but everyone around you. Hand hygiene protects against a wide range of illnesses, and consistent practice is key to staying healthy.
THE GLOBAL CONTEXT OF HAND HYGIENE
Hand washing isn’t just a concern in Australia. Around the world, studies have shown poor hand hygiene is linked to the spread of infectious diseases. In developing countries, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation makes hand washing challenging. This contributes to higher rates of diarrhoeal diseases. In contrast, developed nations have the resources, but cultural habits and personal hygiene awareness play a significant role in compliance.
WHY HAND WASHING MUST BECOME ROUTINE
Hand washing should be part of your daily routine, especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. The risks of not doing so are clear. While you may not get sick right away, you’re contributing to the spread of bacteria that can harm others.
Public health campaigns must continue to promote the importance of hand washing. Awareness alone isn’t enough—habitual practice is what makes the difference.
Future Efforts to Improve Hand Hygiene
Public health bodies need to target the gaps in hand hygiene practices. Educational campaigns, particularly those aimed at men and younger populations, could help bridge the gap. Schools and workplaces should also encourage good hand washing practices by providing clean, accessible facilities and soap.
In countries like India, innovative approaches like peer influence and visual demonstrations of germ transmission might help. Tailoring messages to specific populations, whether by age or gender, can make sure that public health campaigns are more effective.
