Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 14, 2025
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
A kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention to improve children's hand hygiene behavior: A cluster-randomized
Lifeng Zhang1, Xiuqun Qin2, Jixiao Zeng3
1School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
A kindergarten intervention involving families significantly improved children's hand hygiene (HH) behaviors and reduced infection-related absences. This family-involved approach proved effective in promoting healthier habits in young children.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Health Education
Background:
- Childhood infections lead to significant absenteeism and health burdens.
- Effective hand hygiene (HH) is crucial for preventing infectious disease transmission in young children.
- Kindergarten settings offer a unique opportunity to implement and study health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention for improving children's hand hygiene (HH) behaviors.
- To evaluate the intervention's impact on children's HH practices and infection-related absences.
- To examine the effect on parents' knowledge regarding infections and HH.
Main Methods:
- A cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 20 kindergarten classes (289 intervention, 293 control children).
- An 8-week intervention including HH training for children and an educational program for parents (seminar, WeChat).
- Data collection included HH behaviors, knowledge surveys, and infection-related absences.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in children's HH behaviors (post-play, 7-stage compliance) were observed in the intervention group.
- Parents/guardians in the intervention group demonstrated better HH behaviors and infection knowledge.
- The intervention group experienced fewer absences due to infections compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Kindergarten-based, family-involved interventions are effective in enhancing children's hand hygiene.
- This approach successfully reduced infection-related absences among young children.
- Family engagement is a key component for successful public health interventions in early childhood education settings.
Objective:
The present study determined the feasibility and initial efficacy of a kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention in improving children's hand hygiene (HH) behaviors.
Design:
A cluster-randomized controlled trial was performed, with a cluster defined as a kindergarten class.
Sample:
Participants were recruited from 20 classes in six kindergartens. A total of 289 children and their families were enrolled in the intervention group, and 293 children and their families were enrolled in the control group.
Measurements:
HH behavior and a related knowledge survey, as well as data on absences due to infection, were collected.
Intervention:
An 8-week training session on HH for children and an education program combining a seminar and WeChat groups for parents were provided to participants in the intervention group.
Results:
Two HH behaviors of children, namely, HH after playing outside and 7-stage HH compliance, were significantly different between the two groups after the intervention. The two HH behaviors and knowledge of infections of parents/legal guardians in the intervention group were better than those in the control group after the intervention. The number of absences due to infections in children was lower in the intervention group than in the control group.
Conclusions:
Kindergarten-based, family-involved interventions effectively improved the HH behavior of kindergarten children and decreased absences due to infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
01:18Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment
Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated....
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...