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Updated: May 7, 2026
09:02
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
A qualitative evaluation of hand drying practices among Kenyans
Bobbie Person1, Katharine Schilling, Mercy Owuor
1Office of the Director, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
Plos One
|September 27, 2013
Summary
Many Kenyans do not practice hygienic hand drying or cover coughs/sneezes properly. These behaviors, like drying hands on clothes, can spread diseases, hindering public health efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Infectious Disease Prevention
Background:
- Disease prevention behaviors like hand washing and hygienic coughing/sneezing are challenging to promote globally.
- Understanding current practices in Kenya is crucial for effective health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively investigate current hand drying behaviors.
- To explore mouth and nose covering practices during coughing and sneezing among Kenyans.
Main Methods:
- Conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.
- Performed structured household and public venue observations in urban and rural Kenya.
- Utilized grounded theory and thematic analysis for data interpretation.
Main Results:
- Hygienic hand drying on clean towels was uncommon; participants used clothing (lesos, trousers) or left hands wet.
- Many individuals sneezed into their hands and wiped them on clothes.
- Coughing often occurred into the air or hands, with handkerchiefs used for runny noses.
Conclusions:
- Drying hands on soiled clothing negates handwashing benefits.
- Coughing and sneezing into hands can facilitate disease transmission.
- Understanding these practices is vital for designing targeted health promotion campaigns for diarrheal disease and influenza prevention.
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