Evaluation of a Web-based intervention to promote hand hygiene: exploratory randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior Change
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Hand-washing is crucial for preventing respiratory infection transmission, especially during pandemics.
• Previous research highlights its importance in public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a Web-based intervention for promoting home hand-washing.
• To identify mediators and moderators of intervention outcomes.
• To lay groundwork for the PRIMIT trial assessing infection rates.

Main Methods:

• A pragmatic, exploratory trial with 517 adults randomly assigned to an automated Web intervention or a control group.
• Intervention involved tailored motivational messages and self-regulation support.
• Hand-washing frequency and Theory of Planned Behavior cognitions assessed via online questionnaires at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly higher hand-washing rates at 4 weeks (P < .001, Cohen d = 0.42) and 12 weeks (P < .001, Cohen d = 0.34).
• Intervention led to greater increases in hand-washing intentions and positive attitudes.
• Mediation analysis confirmed indirect effects via intentions and attitudes; no significant moderation by demographics was found.

Conclusions:

• Web-based interventions show promise for promoting home hand hygiene.
• The intervention can complement existing public health campaigns, particularly during influenza pandemics.
• Further research is needed to confirm effects on actual infection rates.