Nonhygienic behavior, knowledge, and attitudes among interactive splash park visitors.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Recreational waterborne illnesses (RWIs) are a significant public health concern.
• Nonhygienic behaviors in splash parks can contribute to RWI outbreaks.
• Previous RWI outbreaks have been linked to splash park environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of signage and hygiene attendants on children's nonhygienic behaviors at splash parks.
• To evaluate splash park supervisors' knowledge and attitudes regarding RWIs.
• To inform RWI prevention strategies in recreational water settings.

Main Methods:

• Observational study of children's behavior at four Idaho splash parks (two with interventions).
• Survey of 551 adult supervisors regarding hygiene knowledge and practices.
• Analysis of nonhygienic behaviors, including exposing buttocks and placing mouths on water features.

Main Results:

• Children frequently exhibited nonhygienic behaviors, such as exposing buttocks to water and placing mouths on water features.
• The rate of nonhygienic behaviors was not significantly lower in splash parks with signage or hygiene attendants.
• Supervisors infrequently reported bathing children before splash park entry.

Conclusions:

• Current signage and hygiene attendant interventions are insufficient to mitigate nonhygienic behaviors in splash parks.
• Splash park supervisors demonstrate a limited understanding of RWI risks and prevention.
• Enhanced regulations and targeted educational efforts are necessary for effective RWI prevention in splash parks.