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Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Transportation Vehicles Against Respiratory Infectious Diseases in Lebanon: A
Mahmoud Salam1, Zahra Shan Bader1, Abdul Rahman Itani1
1Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
Background:
Public transportation involves a risk of transmitting various types of respiratory infectious diseases (RID), so it is essential to promote the safety of drivers, users, and the broader community. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cleaning and disinfecting (C&D) practices of public transportation vehicles in Lebanon.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 394 drivers were surveyed between March and July 2025 from various regions in Lebanon. Using a face-to-face questionnaire, C&D practices were evaluated against the North American Transportation Services Association (NATSA) guidelines. Non-compliance rates were compared across sample characteristics using Pearson's Chi-square, Student's t-test, and Binary logistic regression analyses.
Findings:
Non-compliance rates with the frequencies of cleaning, disinfection, and deep cleaning (at washing stations) are 296 (75.1%), 321 (81.5%) and 161 (40.9%), respectively. Moreover, 251 (71.9%), 8 (3.4%) and 162 (51.3%) of drivers are not compliant with cleaning, disinfecting, and deep‑cleaning methods, respectively. Non-compliance with the frequency of changing HVAC filters was 387 (98.2%). Furthermore, 383 (97.2%) and 332 (89.7%) are not compliant with self-protective measures against RID while on duty or while C&D vehicles, respectively. Factors associated with non-compliance with C&D practices are reported.
Interpretation:
Non-compliance with the recommended C&D of public transportation vehicles in Lebanon is alarming. Disseminating an Arabic-language version of NATSA guidelines, providing affordable C&D kits, a fast‑pass deep‑cleaning service at washing stations, and waiving taxes on HVAC filters can contribute to safer public transportation service. FMs and hand sanitizers need to be available inside all public transportation vehicles. Both drivers and users are encouraged to use them. Stickers can be applied on the front shield of vehicles to remind drivers about precautionary measures against RID.
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