A lack of soap is the most often reported barrier to effective hand hygiene—key to curbing the spread of infection—in shared community spaces, such as households, schools, and public places, finds a systematic review of the available research, published in the open access journal BMJ Global Health.
It found that the barriers most often reported concerned physical opportunity, such as the availability of soap, and lack of motivation—hand hygiene not prioritized, or not habitual practice, for example.
On the contrary, enablers were most commonly associated with motivation through regular practice and awareness of health risks. However, a systematic review revealed that efforts to improve handwashing often did not address barriers or enablers to ensure long-term behavioral change. The reviews informed new guidelines on hand hygiene in community settings, highlighting the need for critical resources like soap, water, and handwashing facilities.
The reviews also identified gaps in knowledge regarding the effectiveness of handwashing methods in removing pathogens, including enveloped viruses and other pathogens. Further research is needed to fully understand the efficacy of different handwashing methods, especially in the context of viral pandemics and resource constraints.
Hand hygiene is crucial for protecting health, reducing the burden on healthcare systems, and preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Despite progress in expanding access to handwashing facilities, many people still lack basic resources for hand hygiene. Achieving universal access to handwashing facilities by 2030 will require significant efforts from governments and communities.
The evidence from the reviews emphasizes the importance of providing access to soap and water, educating people on hand hygiene practices, and creating environments that support sustained handwashing behavior. These core principles should guide efforts to improve hand hygiene and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
