Evaluating the effectiveness of surveys versus observations in determining the handwashing behaviours and compliance of the general population when using public restrooms

Hygiene-related communicable diseases such as diarrhoeal disease, gastroenteritis and influenza among others, result in illness and millions of deaths each year across the globe. Good hand hygiene is recognised as being the most simple, effective method in preventing the spread of such diseases. However, compliance has been found to be generally poor in both healthcare and community settings. To date, few studies have examined the hand hygiene behaviours and compliance of the general population. Our research aims to do this through a mixed-methods approach by examining the hand hygiene behaviours and compliance of the general population when using public restrooms. It also seeks to make a contribution to the social, behavioural and scientific discussion on the importance of good hand hygiene practice in improving the general health and well-being of the entire population.