8 out of 10 People Using Restrooms "Only Wet Their Hands and Leave"

Every Year on October 15, 'Global Handwashing Day'
8 out of 10 People Only Wet Their Hands
Only 3 Wash with Soap
Top Reason for Not Washing Hands: 'Too Lazy'
Disease Control Director Urges "Make Handwashing a Habit"

Photo unrelated to the article. Source=Pixabay

Only 3 out of 10 people wash their hands with soap after using the restroom, and just 1 out of 10 practice proper handwashing, according to a recent survey.

On the 15th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced the "Handwashing Practice Rate in Daily Life" based on an observational survey of general adults using public restrooms. The survey found that 76.1% of people washed their hands after using the restroom, while only 31.8% used soap. Although the overall handwashing rate increased compared to the previous year, the rate of proper handwashing decreased. Proper handwashing is defined as rubbing all surfaces of the hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds, and this year’s survey showed only 10.5% practiced it. The statistics come from an infectious disease prevention behavior survey conducted from July 13 to August 7 in collaboration with the International Korean Nurses Foundation, involving observation of 4,225 people and surveys of 1,930 individuals.

The average total time spent washing hands after using the restroom and the time spent rubbing hands with soap foam also decreased compared to the previous year, averaging 10.9 seconds and 5.6 seconds respectively. When asked in an exit survey why they did not wash their hands, 30.4% answered "because it’s bothersome," followed by "because they were busy" (24.9%) and "because it’s not a habit" (17.7%). Among those who did not use soap, the most common reason was also "because it’s bothersome" (26%), followed by "because their hands did not seem very dirty" (20.9%). To improve handwashing rates, respondents suggested improvements in restrooms such as "installation of liquid soap" (23.9%), "provision of drying tools (paper towels)" (20.5%), and "improvement of restroom hygiene" (15.2%).

On October 15, World Handwashing Day, the KDCA emphasized that "proper handwashing is the top priority in preventing infectious diseases." They plan to raise public awareness through nationwide campaigns to increase handwashing practice rates. University student volunteers from 17 universities across 14 regions will promote the importance of handwashing at high-traffic facilities such as train stations, bus terminals, and airports, conducting quizzes and distributing promotional materials. A video content contest is also planned.

Ji Young-mi, head of the KDCA, stated, "Proper handwashing is the easiest and most cost-effective method to prevent infectious diseases. In preparation for the winter respiratory infection season, please follow preventive measures such as cough etiquette and handwashing." She added, "Make it a daily habit to wash your hands properly with soap for at least 30 seconds before and after meals and after using the restroom."