Comparing hand washing to hand sanitizers in reducing elementary school students' absenteeism.

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to standard hand washing in reducing illness and subsequent absenteeism in school-age children.

METHOD

A randomized cross-over design was used with 18 classrooms of 2nd and 3rd grade students (n = 383) from 4 elementary schools. Half of the classes from each school used an anti-microbial gel hand sanitizer while the other half used soap and water for regular hand hygiene for 2 months, then, the students switched cleaning methods for the following 2 months.

RESULTS

No significant differences in absenteeism rates were demonstrated. A follow-up focus group comprised of teachers and school nurses indicated that hand sanitizers were preferred over soap and water.

CONCLUSION

Hand sanitizers are an appropriate alternative to hand washing for hand cleansing and may offer additional benefits in the school setting.