Examining Hand-Washing Rates and Durations in Public Restrooms: A Study of Gender Differences Via Personal, Environmental, and Behavioral Determinants

Abstract

Guided by Social Learning Theory, competing hypotheses tested whether personal, environmental, or behavioral factors influenced gender differences in hand washing. A total of 170 observations were made in public restrooms on a university campus. Results suggested that differentiating patron use of urinals and commodes was appropriate for examining hand-washing differences between women and men. The research found hand-washing rates of men and women were similar if both had just used a commode. In contrast, after using urinals, men’s hand-washing rates were substantially lower than commode users. Although environmental factors appear to have an overriding influence over men’s hand washing, duration data suggest that the specific behavior performed in a restroom (e.g., urination or defecation) was a better predictor of hand-washing rates and durations. These findings contradict gender-socialization theory as the explanation for differences in hand washing and warrant further investigation of environmental and behavioral influences.