**4. Findings**


Ergonomically redesign doors/restroom system was suggested in order to fit the operating process of the restroom to the users' capability. This could be perfect as stated in Fasanya and Shofoluwe's [23] finding that fitting job to worker capability improved worker performances.

## **4.1 Redesigning option**

After a careful review of the findings, it is decided that the inclusion of auditory and visual alert sensor in the **urinal bowl** area and **toilet compartment** will improve the handwashing practice.

### *4.1.1 Operation process of sensor*

The visual and auditory alerting signals will assist in reminding restroom users to wash their hands after use. Visual and auditory alerts have been known for being vital reminders of activity in different areas of life such as in traffic control (transportation industry). Visual and alert methods have also played important roles in many other situations relating to alerting and reminding users. It has been used in the airplane for almost everything possible, especially in alerting, reminding, and giving the passengers directions when needed. According Papastavrou and Lehto

[24], visual and auditory alerts help in the detection of anticipated stimuli. This study suggested for the design shown in **Figure 3** to ensure proper reliabilities and the alerts required for the safe use of the restrooms. The design is a computer-based script that senses restroom flush and gently nudges and reminds the users to wash their hands. The process involves the following.

## *4.1.2 Design processes*

It involves designing a computer screen algorithm that will help to auto-sense sides. The machine design can be achieved by using C# combined with light and sound using sensor fusion with computer vision to sense flushing sound and press of restroom flushes. **Figure 3** also shows the sample of visual message that would be displayed on the screen.

This device is an auditory and visual alert device coded with C# and with a motion and sound sensor to sense either the motion or flush sound before displaying a message as shown in **Figure 3**.

The visual and auditory alert system design would be placed in two locations as shown in the **Figure 4**—the device with the "Message Area" caption here is a LED Message display board designed and computer coded for auditory and visual alert for the users at the sound of restroom flush. The device should be a computer coded

**Figure 3.** *Message display.*

**93**

*Hand Hygiene Practices in Public Restrooms: Effects and Proposed Solutions*

with the **passive infrared (PIR) sensor** to sense and detect body heat *(***infrared energy**) and the most widely used motion sensor, at the sound of the flush. Pleasant messages are to be included in the alert to remind the users to wash their hands: messages like "Do you know handwashing hygiene increases health safety? Don't forget to wash your hands? Washing Hands prevents from deadly diseases, etc." The application that controls the device is suggested to be designed with C# and designed with LED message display board and passive infrared sensor. It is important for it to be both visual and auditory to accommodate visually or aurally

Findings from this study had led the university management to include in all restrooms hand soap dispensers and gradually work on how to restructure the rooms to be ergonomically fit for the users. From the management comments, less attention has been given to restroom designs of all things in the academic environment. Meanwhile, the outcome of this study has proved that less important things in management perspective might be a huge factor to promote health and safety of

Different studies have concluded that there are other factors affecting hand hygiene behavior. For example, Zimakoff et al. [25] concluded by identifying few other factors affecting hand hygiene such as skin irritation and dryness as the leading factors affecting handwashing in health care. The same authors affirmed that there are other possible factors not covered in the scope of the research. Likewise, in 1982, Larson and Killien concluded that it is imperative to identify factors that are the antecedents to whether the individual decides to wash one's hands or not as they are critical in the prevention or intervention plans to improve handwashing practice. The same authors further ascertained that most emphases are placed on the importance of handwashing instead of other factors affecting people's behavior toward handwashing compliance. The results of this study supported that there are other factors different from training people and showing people how to practice hygiene properly. Researchers are now focusing on the growing literature about the

Day by day, researchers are focusing on other factors that could affect hand hygiene behavior, none or few have looked into the structure and redesign of restrooms. This study investigated the people's experience in the restroom, why handwashing compliance is low, and other factors, which could affect hand hygiene behavior. A significant proportion of the participants requested for restroom redesign for their health safety. A significant finding from this study is that about 83% of the participants suggested alert systems to remind restroom users to wash hands after use. The participants also reported the significance of other factors like an automated sink, soap dispenser, water dispenser, dryer devices as well as ergonomically designed doors. The participants unanimously believe that ergonomically designed door (pull and push type) would reduce touch and greatly enhance health safety. The above data results reflect restroom equipment, structure, cleanliness, and comfortability have significant effects on hand hygiene behavior. The results from this study supported other researchers who found that there are other factors

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92306*

challenged individuals.

**4.2 Post analysis results**

both students and the employees.

**5. Discussions and conclusion**

other factors affecting hand hygiene behavior.

**5.1 Discussions**

**Figure 4.** *Restroom message display design.*

*Hand Hygiene Practices in Public Restrooms: Effects and Proposed Solutions DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92306*

with the **passive infrared (PIR) sensor** to sense and detect body heat *(***infrared energy**) and the most widely used motion sensor, at the sound of the flush. Pleasant messages are to be included in the alert to remind the users to wash their hands: messages like "Do you know handwashing hygiene increases health safety? Don't forget to wash your hands? Washing Hands prevents from deadly diseases, etc." The application that controls the device is suggested to be designed with C# and designed with LED message display board and passive infrared sensor. It is important for it to be both visual and auditory to accommodate visually or aurally challenged individuals.

#### **4.2 Post analysis results**

*Safety and Health for Workers - Research and Practical Perspective*

their hands. The process involves the following.

*4.1.2 Design processes*

displayed on the screen.

ing a message as shown in **Figure 3**.

[24], visual and auditory alerts help in the detection of anticipated stimuli. This study suggested for the design shown in **Figure 3** to ensure proper reliabilities and the alerts required for the safe use of the restrooms. The design is a computer-based script that senses restroom flush and gently nudges and reminds the users to wash

It involves designing a computer screen algorithm that will help to auto-sense sides. The machine design can be achieved by using C# combined with light and sound using sensor fusion with computer vision to sense flushing sound and press of restroom flushes. **Figure 3** also shows the sample of visual message that would be

This device is an auditory and visual alert device coded with C# and with a motion and sound sensor to sense either the motion or flush sound before display-

The visual and auditory alert system design would be placed in two locations as shown in the **Figure 4**—the device with the "Message Area" caption here is a LED Message display board designed and computer coded for auditory and visual alert for the users at the sound of restroom flush. The device should be a computer coded

**92**

**Figure 4.**

*Restroom message display design.*

**Figure 3.** *Message display.*

Findings from this study had led the university management to include in all restrooms hand soap dispensers and gradually work on how to restructure the rooms to be ergonomically fit for the users. From the management comments, less attention has been given to restroom designs of all things in the academic environment. Meanwhile, the outcome of this study has proved that less important things in management perspective might be a huge factor to promote health and safety of both students and the employees.
