Latest Hand Hygiene Study

Excerpt from today's edition of FOX News/Boston
By MARILYNN MARCHIONE
AP Medical Writer

CHICAGO -- The gender gap has widened when it comes to hygiene, according to the latest stakeout by the "hand washing police."

One-third of men didn't bother to wash after using the bathroom, compared with 12 percent of women, said the researchers who spy on people in public restrooms. They reported their latest findings Monday at a meeting of infectious disease scientists.

"....Carry hand sanitizers (we think she meant to insert "alcohol-free") and wipes in case the means to wash your hands aren't handy, suggested microbiologist Judy Daly of Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, who led the project..."

"These are a marvelous addition to plain soap and water," she said.

Nearly three-fourths of Americans said they always wash up after changing a diaper, 78 percent said they do so after handling or eating food; 42 percent after petting a dog or cat, 25 percent after handling money, and 34 percent after coughing or sneezing.

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