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Majority of Americans washed hands with only water, not soap
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The Bradley Corp., a manufacturer of washroom accessories and plumbing fixtures, reported that just 30% of respondents to its 2014 hand-washing survey indicated using soap and water.
In August, the company polled 1,014 American adults, aged 18 to 65 years or older; 53% of the respondents were women.
Results indicated that 70% of Americans wash with only water and not soap, and 55% are not washing for as long as recommended by the CDC. Those guidelines suggest washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In a survey conducted 2 years ago, Bradley reported that 54% of respondents said they did not use soap when washing their hands.
The results also showed, however, that many Americans can be influenced to wash more often or more thoroughly. News media coverage of airborne or foodborne illnesses drove 57% of respondents to increase their hand-washing efforts.
When asked if they had seen others in washrooms leave without washing their hands, 81% reported seeing others leave restrooms without washing, compared with 74% last year.
In May, Bradley conducted its first survey in the United Arab Emirates after cases of MERS infections were widely reported. The results indicated that Emiratis also increased their efforts to wash their hands more often or with greater care because of infection concerns. According to the company, 51% of respondents reported they washed more frequently, and 34% said they washed more thoroughly or for a longer period than before news about the MERS outbreak.
“It’s important that everyone knows and understands the importance of hand washing because it’s the first line of defense in fighting off cold and flu germs,” Jon Dommisse, director of global marketing and strategic development for Bradley, said in a press release.