Improving Hand Hygiene Behavior Using a Novel Theory-Based Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Promoting the adoption of personal hygiene behaviors known to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, such as avoiding touching one's face with unwashed hands, is important for limiting the spread of infections.

Purpose

We aimed to test the efficacy of a theory-based intervention to promote the avoidance of touching one's face with unwashed hands to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Methods

We tested effects of an intervention employing imagery, persuasive communication, and planning techniques in two pre-registered studies adopting randomized controlled designs in samples of Australian (N = 254; Study 1) and US (N = 245; Study 2) residents. Participants were randomly assigned to theory-based intervention or education-only conditions (Study 1), or to theory-based

SUBMITTER: Smith SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9635998 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature