Improving Hand Hygiene Behavior Using a Novel Theory-Based Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• Promoting personal hygiene behaviors is crucial for limiting the spread of COVID-19.
• Avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands is a key behavior for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the efficacy of a theory-based intervention designed to promote the avoidance of touching one's face with unwashed hands.
• To reduce the transmission of COVID-19 through behavior change.

Main Methods:

• Two randomized controlled studies (N=254 Australian, N=245 US residents) were conducted.
• An online intervention employed imagery, persuasive communication, and planning techniques.
• Participants were assigned to intervention, education-only, or no-intervention control groups.

Main Results:

• Avoidance of touching the face with unwashed hands increased significantly from pre-intervention to follow-up in both studies, irrespective of the intervention.
• No significant condition effects were found for the intervention's impact on behavior.
• Exploratory analyses in Study 2 indicated the intervention was effective for individuals with low pre-intervention risk perceptions.

Conclusions:

• High adoption rates of avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands were observed, with behavior improving over time independently of the intervention.
• Risk perceptions may moderate the effectiveness of theory-based interventions for infection prevention.
• Further research is needed to confirm the role of risk perception as a moderator.