Emiratis are less diligent about hand hygiene than they were last May when the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) was a top concern in the Arabian Peninsula, according to a national hand washing survey.

About 70 per cent of respondents said they always wash their hands after using a public toilet compared to 80 per cent last year, said the second annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey conducted in the UAE by Bradley Corporation, a leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories, partition cubicles, emergency fixtures and solid plastic lockers.

More than half of the respondents reported that they frequently or occasionally see others leave a public toilet without washing up, it said.

According to the survey, when Emiratis see someone who does not wash their hands, most respond by washing their own hands thoroughly and avoiding the person and anything the person touched.

Those polled admitted they employ a variety of techniques to avoid germs in a public toilet. About 67 per cent use a paper towel so they do nt have to touch the door handle, toilet flusher or faucet handle. Others open and close toilet doors with their hip while some operate cubicle latches with their elbow.

Germ avoidance also carries over into the workplace. About 82 per cent of respondents said they consciously take steps to limit exposure to a sick colleague's germs by using a few different strategies. They avoid the sick colleague, abstain from shaking that person's hand and wash their own hands more frequently.

Jon Dommisse, director of global marketing and strategic development for Bradley Corporation, said: ”While it appears the concern about Mers has somewhat abated since last year, at least in the UAE, it's important to remember that hand washing is still the best defense to prevent the spread of infection and illness.

"We want our annual survey to call attention to the importance of hand washing and the protection it provides."

The survey also explored the perceived condition of public toilets and found nearly 70 per cent of Emiratis have had a particularly unpleasant experience in a public toilet due to the condition of the facilities. A bad smell, water on the floor and an old, dirty or unkempt appearance top the list of problems.

When asked what could be improved with public toilets, cleanliness is a priority. That may explain why respondents ranked toilet entrance door handles, cubicle door handles and sinks as the top three surfaces they dislike touching the most.

For businesses, an unclean toilet has negative implications. The majority of respondents said it indicated poor management or showed the business does not care about its customers.

The Healthy Hand Washing Survey queried 571 adults from May 7 to 18 about their hand washing habits in public toilets. Participants were from around the UAE, ranged in age from 18 to 55-plus, and were split between men (48 per cent) and women (52 per cent). - TradeArabia News Service