Effectiveness of a Handwashing Programme in the Prevention of School Absenteeism Due to Respiratory Infections
Information source: Fundación Pública Andaluza para la Investigación Biomédica Andalucía Oriental
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015
Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Upper Respiratory Infections; Influenza; Common Cold
Intervention: hand sanitizer (Other)
Phase: Phase 4
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: Fundación Pública Andaluza para la Investigación Biomédica Andalucía Oriental Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s):
Ernestina Azor, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Department of Health of Andalusia
Summary
The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a hand-washing programme using hand
sanitizer in the prevention of school absenteeism due to upper respiratory infections.
Students in intervention classrooms used hand sanitizers at schools and a programme
educational on hand hygiene. The investigators hypothesize that the use de hand sanitizers
in elementary school will reduce absenteeism due to upper respiratory infections.
Clinical Details
Official title: Effectiveness of a Handwashing Programme in the Prevention of School Absenteeism Due to Respiratory Infections
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Prevention
Primary outcome: School absenteeism rate caused by upper respiratory infection
Secondary outcome: Average duration of absence
Detailed description:
School absenteeism due to respiratory infections is one of the greatest problems in schools.
Its high incidence and easy transmission among pupils have a great impact requiring a vast
number of medical visits, hospitalisations, use of antibiotic and antipyretic treatments,
symptomatic medication, etc. besides being a cause for school absenteeism and time off work
for parents. Hand- washing is the most important and effective measure to prevent the
transmission of infections. The investigators evaluated the effectiveness of a
hand-washing programme using hand sanitizer in the prevention of school absenteeism due to
upper respiratory infections.
A cluster randomised, controlled and open study of 2 cohorts of primary school children
between the ages of 4 and 12, attending 5 Public Schools in a geographic area of the AlmerÃa
province (Spain). This study was carried out throughout the 8 months of an academic year
(October 2009 to May 2010). The experimental group washed their hands with soap and water,
complemented with hand sanitizer, while the control group followed usual hand washing. The
parents of both groups completed the survey on sociodemographic characteristics and
questions about hand hygiene referred to when and how their children wash their hands
Progenitors of children who were absent from school collected upper respiratory infections
symptoms and handed in the completed form to the teacher. One Research assistant collected
the absence sheets of the participating classes weekly, telephoned the parents of absent
children to enquire about the cause of their absence, visited the classrooms and
collaborated with the teachers in hand hygiene related activities.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 4 Years.
Maximum age: 12 Years.
Gender(s): Both.
Criteria:
Inclusion criteria:
- School children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old, enrolled in the above
mentioned public schools,
- The parents/tutors signed an agreement after being informed of its content.
Exclusion criteria:
- Children with absenteeism due to a different cause from upper respiratory infections
- Children with chronic illnesses that could affect their likelihood of contracting an
infection or the duration of their period of absence from school
- Children whose parents did not authorise their participation in the study.
Locations and Contacts
Additional Information
Starting date: October 2009
Last updated: November 16, 2012
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