Handwashing and disinfection precautions taken by U.S. adults to prevent coronavirus disease 2019, Spring 2020.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess self-reported hygiene precautions taken by U.S. adults during spring 2020 to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to identify demographic characteristics associated with these hygiene precautions. RESULTS: We obtained data from Porter Novelli Public Services's national survey, Spring ConsumerStyles, conducted March 19-April 9, 2020 among a nationally representative random sample of 6463 U.S. adults aged 18 years or older. We present data from the survey question "What, if any, precautions are you taking to prevent coronavirus?". Respondents replied yes or no to the following precautions washing hands often with soap and water and disinfecting surfaces at home and work often. Most respondents reported taking hygiene-related precautions to prevent COVID-19; more respondents reported handwashing (93%) than disinfecting surfaces (74%). Men, younger respondents, those with lower income and education levels, and respondents in self-rated poor health had lower reported rates of both handwashing and disinfecting surfaces. Communications about hygiene precautions for COVID-19 prevention may need to target sub-populations with the greatest gaps in hygiene-related practices. Research identifying barriers to these practices and developing effective messaging could inform and improve these communications.