**3. Data analysis and results**

### **3.1 Data analysis**

Data compilation was done with the use of Excel® version 365 ProPlus. The use, cleanliness, structure, and factors that affect handwashing practices were evaluated using simple descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Welch T-tests). Descriptive statistics was used to assess the differences in the proportions of participants reporting specific handwashing practices by gender. At the beginning of the analysis, the data were checked for normality. As expected, the percentage who had used the college restrooms one time or more was found to be 100% (out of which 35% were male, 64% female, and 2% preferred not to say). **Table 1** details the frequency distribution of the participants in percentage. Analysis shows that the percentage of those who used the restrooms always was the highest with 71% compared with those who sometimes or rarely used the restroom, that is, 14%.

The percentage of those who are comfortable using the school restroom was 44% based on different levels of comfortability while the percentage of those who are rarely or not comfortable is 34%. About 88% of the participants reported to always wash their hands after the use of restrooms. Approximately 99% agreed to have seen someone at some point walking out of the restroom without washing their hands, 85% strongly agreed that hand and body hygiene is paramount after the use of public and private restrooms. Furthermore, 72% strongly agreed that proper handwashing will prevent one from many diseases and sicknesses, 22% agreed to some degree while only 3% somewhat disagreed. In another question, participants were asked if they have received any form of hand hygiene training in the last 3 years. The responses show that 50% had received different forms of training in the last 3 years. The use of alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene also shows about 67% at different level of agreement.

Only 215 participants responded to the open-ended question, the responses showed 48.8% strongly suggested restroom redesign to improve hand hygiene and reduce germs transmission. Approximately 14% believe that automated handsanitizer machines should be installed in the restrooms. Further, only 3% of the participants responded that the inclusion of handwashing training as part of the school curriculum and regular cleaning of the university community restrooms would improve hygiene practices.


**89**

**Figure 1.**

*Graphical representations of survey responses.*

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

Survey questions were divided into two categories, the first part focused on individual hand hygiene and the second part focused on restroom restructure or redesign for health safety purposes of the community. **Figure 1** is the graphical representation that shows the significances of some major factors that could potentially

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors influencing poor handwashing practices in the community, especially among the younger generation. These days, poor handwashing practices and inadequate body hygiene have been attributed to different illnesses around the world and have increasingly expanded the spreading of the present pandemic case called COVID-19. Therefore, the results of this study could be instrumental to promote good handwashing practices. Promotion of good handwashing will prevent viral infection and reduce exponential chances of spreading any illness outbreak. Handwashing hygiene should be taken beyond restrooms, but also to prevent viral infections, especially those that spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes. In this situation, proper handwashing is the first line of measure.

Four survey questions that specifically addressed restroom redesign and restructure were separately analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Welch T-test). Participants' responses on the question "Do you think public restrooms should be structured and well designed for Heath safety?" were analyzed. The participants that neither agreed nor disagreed (in-between) were eliminated in order to define the significance of those that agreed or disagreed. The number of people in this category was found to be 10, constituting 2% of the total participants. Group 1 was considered people who disagreed and group 2 as people who agreed

**Table 2** shows that only two participants disagreed to the opinion that public restrooms on campus should be restructured and well redesigned for health safety

affect college restrooms and handwashing hygiene among college students:

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

**3.2 Results**

with restroom redesign.

#### **Table 1.**

*Participants percentage distribution.*

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

#### **3.2 Results**

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

shows about 67% at different level of agreement.

would improve hygiene practices.

Data compilation was done with the use of Excel® version 365 ProPlus. The use, cleanliness, structure, and factors that affect handwashing practices were evaluated using simple descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Welch T-tests). Descriptive statistics was used to assess the differences in the proportions of participants reporting specific handwashing practices by gender. At the beginning of the analysis, the data were checked for normality. As expected, the percentage who had used the college restrooms one time or more was found to be 100% (out of which 35% were male, 64% female, and 2% preferred not to say). **Table 1** details the frequency distribution of the participants in percentage. Analysis shows that the percentage of those who used the restrooms always was the highest with 71% compared with those who sometimes or rarely used the restroom, that is, 14%. The percentage of those who are comfortable using the school restroom was 44% based on different levels of comfortability while the percentage of those who are rarely or not comfortable is 34%. About 88% of the participants reported to always wash their hands after the use of restrooms. Approximately 99% agreed to have seen someone at some point walking out of the restroom without washing their hands, 85% strongly agreed that hand and body hygiene is paramount after the use of public and private restrooms. Furthermore, 72% strongly agreed that proper handwashing will prevent one from many diseases and sicknesses, 22% agreed to some degree while only 3% somewhat disagreed. In another question, participants were asked if they have received any form of hand hygiene training in the last 3 years. The responses show that 50% had received different forms of training in the last 3 years. The use of alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene also

Only 215 participants responded to the open-ended question, the responses showed 48.8% strongly suggested restroom redesign to improve hand hygiene and reduce germs transmission. Approximately 14% believe that automated handsanitizer machines should be installed in the restrooms. Further, only 3% of the participants responded that the inclusion of handwashing training as part of the school curriculum and regular cleaning of the university community restrooms

Gender Male 35%

Category Student 58%

Age 18–25 40%

**Level Responses**

Female 63% Prefer not to say 2%

Faculty 17% University employee 25%

> 25–30 8% 30+ 52%

**3. Data analysis and results**

**3.1 Data analysis**

**88**

**Table 1.**

*Participants percentage distribution.*

Survey questions were divided into two categories, the first part focused on individual hand hygiene and the second part focused on restroom restructure or redesign for health safety purposes of the community. **Figure 1** is the graphical representation that shows the significances of some major factors that could potentially affect college restrooms and handwashing hygiene among college students:

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors influencing poor handwashing practices in the community, especially among the younger generation. These days, poor handwashing practices and inadequate body hygiene have been attributed to different illnesses around the world and have increasingly expanded the spreading of the present pandemic case called COVID-19. Therefore, the results of this study could be instrumental to promote good handwashing practices. Promotion of good handwashing will prevent viral infection and reduce exponential chances of spreading any illness outbreak. Handwashing hygiene should be taken beyond restrooms, but also to prevent viral infections, especially those that spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes. In this situation, proper handwashing is the first line of measure.

Four survey questions that specifically addressed restroom redesign and restructure were separately analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Welch T-test). Participants' responses on the question "Do you think public restrooms should be structured and well designed for Heath safety?" were analyzed. The participants that neither agreed nor disagreed (in-between) were eliminated in order to define the significance of those that agreed or disagreed. The number of people in this category was found to be 10, constituting 2% of the total participants. Group 1 was considered people who disagreed and group 2 as people who agreed with restroom redesign.

**Table 2** shows that only two participants disagreed to the opinion that public restrooms on campus should be restructured and well redesigned for health safety

#### **Figure 1.**

*Graphical representations of survey responses.*

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

of the users, while 416 agreed to the opinion that university community restrooms should be restructured and redesigned for health safety (**Table 3**).

Based on the descriptive analysis of the user's opinion, it is concluded that restrooms should be redesigned for health safety. **Figure 2** reveals the relationship between the participants that agreed and disagreed that restrooms' redesign would improve the health safety of the users.

Questions 3, 6, and 12 were analyzed using Welch t-test to further determine the significance of redesigning and restructuring university community restrooms for health safety. As shown in **Table 4**, participants' response to question 3 reveals (t = 1.967903, df = 300; p < 0.0001) to question 6 (t = 1.99006, df = 80; p < 0.0001) and to question 12 (t = 1.97462, df = 163; p < 0.0001).


#### **Table 2.**

*Participants response to question 4.*


#### **Table 3.**

*Participants' response to question 4 in percentages.*

**91**

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

1.From the participant's opinions, visual and auditory alerts will be necessary for most of the public restrooms to enhance user's awareness of handwashing

2.Redesign of most restrooms was another issue raised by the respondents if

3.Automated handwashing devices like an automated sink with soap dispenser, auto sensor water, and hand sanitizer pump dispenser were also recommended

4.A redesign of the restroom doors to be touchless (auto open and close) without touch or ergonomical design (i.e., pull to go in and push to exit) as the participants felt that touching might increase the chances of contacting germs.

5.A high percentage of the participants also believe that the current hand dryer is unhealthy, breeds germs, and is against proper hygiene and health safety.

6.Respondents also mention the inclusion of hygiene training into college's edu-

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

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

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

proper hygiene levels must be reached for safety purposes.

cation curriculums in all levels of education.

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

**4. Findings**

**Table 4.**

after use.

to be made available.

*Summary of the Welch unpaired T-test.*

improved worker performances.

improve the handwashing practice.

*4.1.1 Operation process of sensor*

**4.1 Redesigning option**

**Figure 2.** *Graphical representation of participants' response to question 4.*


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

#### **Table 4.**

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

and to question 12 (t = 1.97462, df = 163; p < 0.0001).

Total 418

*Graphical representation of participants' response to question 4.*

*G1 = Group 1; G2 = Group 2.*

*Participants response to question 4.*

*Participants' response to question 4 in percentages.*

**Table 3.**

**Table 2.**

improve the health safety of the users.

should be restructured and redesigned for health safety (**Table 3**).

**Categories Participants' answer**

Disagree 2 Neither nor 9 Agree 416 Total 427

of the users, while 416 agreed to the opinion that university community restrooms

Based on the descriptive analysis of the user's opinion, it is concluded that restrooms should be redesigned for health safety. **Figure 2** reveals the relationship between the participants that agreed and disagreed that restrooms' redesign would

Questions 3, 6, and 12 were analyzed using Welch t-test to further determine the significance of redesigning and restructuring university community restrooms for health safety. As shown in **Table 4**, participants' response to question 3 reveals (t = 1.967903, df = 300; p < 0.0001) to question 6 (t = 1.99006, df = 80; p < 0.0001)

**Groups Categories Response Percentage %** G1 Disagreed 2 0.5 G2 Agreed 416 99.5

**90**

**Figure 2.**

*Summary of the Welch unpaired T-test.*
