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Updated: May 18, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
"Think the sink:" Preliminary evaluation of a handwashing promotion campaign
Michael Mackert1, Ming-Ching Liang, Sara Champlin
1Department of Advertising, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-0116, USA. mackert@mail.utexas.edu
Abstract:
Owing to its utility in guiding the planning and evaluation of health promotion campaigns, the Theory of Planned Behavior was used to implement a 1-month campaign aimed at increasing handwashing among college students. Based on observations of bathroom users' handwashing behavior (n = 1,005) and an online survey (n = 188), overall handwashing did not increase as a result of the campaign; however, more students did use soap (58% vs 70%). Future campaigns designed to increase handwashing behavior in students may be advised to target messages according to gender difference-based responsiveness to handwashing norms.
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