The Slippery Slope of Sanitation: Post-Pandemic Hand Hygiene

Remember those lockdown days filled with public service announcements about proper handwashing? It seems the urgency surrounding hand hygiene is fading in Italy, raising concerns about the potential resurgence of infectious diseases.While the COVID-19 pandemic initially spurred a significant increase in handwashing practices, recent data suggests a concerning decline.

Before the pandemic,a mere 60% of Italians self-reported washing their hands after using the restroom. Experts suspect the actual figure was even lower. Even within healthcare settings, adherence to strict hygiene protocols hovered around a disappointing 54-55%.

Hand hygiene is the first and most effective gesture to prevent the spread of germs and infections, especially in the hospital.

Stefano Salvati, National Cancer Institute of Milan

A fleeting Moment of Cleanliness: Pandemic-Era Improvements and Subsequent Decline

The years 2020 and 2021 witnessed a surge in awareness and compliance, fueled by fear of the novel coronavirus. Handwashing rates soared, with over 80% of Italians claiming to diligently use soap and water after bathroom visits. However, this heightened awareness appears to be waning.

A study conducted last year by Cattolica University revealed a troubling trend: onyl 45% of respondents maintained a handwashing frequency higher than pre-pandemic levels. Alarmingly, over 20% admitted to washing their hands less often. The use of sanitizing gels has also plummeted, with only one in four Italians still incorporating them into their daily routine.

World Hand hygiene day: A Renewed Focus on Clean Hands

In response to these concerning trends, the National Cancer Institute of Milan is taking a proactive approach to promote hand hygiene on World Hand Hygiene day, May 5th. They are launching an interactive campaign designed to re-emphasize the importance of clean hands in preventing the spread of germs and infections, particularly in hospital environments.

The campaign utilizes augmented reality to engage the public in a playful and immersive way. Two large posters, strategically placed in high-traffic areas like waiting rooms, feature a QR code that leads to an interactive app. This app presents users with ten virtual “pitfalls” representing everyday objects and scenarios that can harbor germs, such as door handles, mobile phones, and even banknotes.The app also addresses the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.”

By scanning the QR code with their smartphones, users can access multimedia content highlighting the risks associated with poor hand hygiene and promoting best practices. The National Cancer Institute hopes that this engaging experience will encourage individuals to sanitize their phones and, more importantly, adopt more consistent handwashing habits.

The Broader Context: Global Handwashing Statistics and Implications

The issue of hand hygiene extends far beyond Italy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent the spread of diseases. Yet, globally, millions of people still lack access to basic handwashing facilities.

Poor hand hygiene contributes to a wide range of infections, including respiratory illnesses, diarrheal diseases, and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs, in particular, pose a significant threat to patient safety and healthcare systems worldwide. Promoting hand hygiene is thus crucial for protecting public health and reducing the burden of infectious diseases.