Handwashing can reduce diarrhoea episodes by about 30 per cent. This significant reduction is comparable to the effect of providing clean water in low-income areas. However, trials with longer follow up and that test different methods of promoting handwashing are needed. This is the conclusion of an evaluation [1] of the effects of interventions to promote handwashing on diarrhoeal episodes in children and adults in 14 randomized controlled trials. Eight trials were institution-based, five were community-based, and one was in a high-risk group (AIDS patients).

Interventions promoting handwashing resulted in a 29% reduction in diarrhoea episodes in institutions in high-income countries (IRR 0.71, 95%CI 0.60 to 0.84; 7 trials) and a 31% reduction in such episodes in communities in low- or middle-income countries (IRR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.87; 5 trials).

[1] Ejemot, RI ... [et al.] (2008). Hand washing for preventing diarrhoea. (Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2008 ; no. 1). Art. no.: CD004265. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004265.pub2. PDF file full text

Tags: hygiene promotion, monitoring & evaluation, water-related diseases