Can a school-based hand hygiene program reduce asthma exacerbations among elementary school children?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Viral upper respiratory tract infections have been implicated as a major cause of asthma exacerbations among school-aged children. Regular hand washing is the most effective method to prevent the spread of viral respiratory tract infections, but effective hand-washing practices are difficult to establish in schools.

Objectives

This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether a standardized regimen of hand washing plus alcohol-based hand sanitizer could reduce asthma exacerbations more than schools' usual hand hygiene practices.

Methods

This was a 2-year, community-based, randomized controlled crossover trial. Schools were randomized to usual care and then intervention (sequence 1) or intervention and then usual care (sequence 2). Intervention schools were

SUBMITTER: Gerald LB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3511646 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature