ERIC Number: EJ902586
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Oct
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-8405
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Inspections of Hand Washing Supplies and Hand Sanitizer in Public Schools
Ramos, Mary M.; Blea, Mary; Trujillo, Rebecca; Greenberg, Cynthia
Journal of School Nursing, v26 n5 p393-397 Oct 2010
Hand washing and hand antisepsis are proven infection control measures in the school setting, yet barriers such as lack of soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer can hinder compliance. This pilot study measured the prevalence of hand cleaning supplies in public schools. Ten school districts (93 schools) participated in school nurse inspections. In November 2008, 90 schools (97%) reported their inspection results. Among 697 total bathrooms, 88.8% had soap and 91.7% had paper towels or hand dryers. Hand sanitizer was reported in 1.2% of bathrooms and 15.2% of cafeterias. No difference was observed between boys' and girls' bathrooms, or primary and secondary schools, in the prevalence of soap or paper towels/hand dryers. Hand washing supplies were generally available in public school bathrooms. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer in school bathrooms was reported occasionally and should be discouraged. Hand sanitizer in a supervised setting, the school cafeteria, was not often reported and should be promoted. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Public Schools, Incidence, School Nurses, Child Health, Hygiene, Health Behavior, Health Promotion, School Districts, Gender Differences, Age Differences, Elementary Schools, Secondary Schools, Check Lists
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Mexico
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A