Am J Public Health August 2008 PMID 18556606

Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis.

Allison E Aiello, Rebecca M Coulborn, Vanessa Perez, Elaine L Larson

Download social card

Mentions

60
Peak: 25 in Mar 2020
across 6 sources since Oct 2008

Extended reach

295,186
potential audience

Total likes

291

Video views

9,069

Mentions per month

Oct 2008 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter37 posts
  • Facebook8 posts
  • News8 articles
  • Instagram4 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Blogs1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects strong agreement with the research, with comments like 'Doctors can make fewer people sick by washing their hands' and quotes detailing infection reduction statistics, demonstrating high interest and engagement. Some posts compare handwashing to other preventive measures, such as masks, which slightly moderates the perceived impact but underscores the relevance of hygiene practices in community health debates.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions emphasize strong support for the study's conclusions, highlighting the effectiveness of hand hygiene in reducing infections.

InterestHigh interest

Participants display high interest, referencing specific data and advocating for evidence-based practices.

EngagementHigh engagement

Comments show deep engagement with the research, citing statistical findings and discussing public health implications.

ImpactModerate impact

While some responses focus on the importance of hand hygiene, a few others debate alternative measures like masks, indicating moderate perceived impact.

Abstract in brief

  • This meta-analysis looked at how hand hygiene can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in community settings by reviewing studies from 1960 to 2007.
  • The findings showed that improving hand hygiene reduced gastrointestinal illnesses by about 31% and respiratory illnesses by about 21%, especially when using nonantibacterial soap combined with educational efforts.
  • The study suggests that hand hygiene is effective, but more research is needed on hygiene practices during respiratory illnesses and ways to prevent airborne transmission.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Jessica Rojas
@catsscareme2021 · X

Improvements in hand hygiene resulted in reductions in gastrointestinal illness of 31% (95% confidence intervals [CI]=19%, 42%) and reductions in respiratory illness of 21% (95% CI=5%, 34%)." ~Source: https://t.co/THhSiYe149

Apr 24, 2023 · 44 likes · 8 shares · 218,344 followers View post →
#NotrePays
@HistoireSecrete · X

#Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver les mains pour un Virus respiratoire !!

Mar 7, 2020 · 32 likes · 21 shares · 3,485 followers View post →
Curie, Tesla & Roentgen, LLC
@Radxraymd · X

@JesseKellyDC https://t.co/5W4UKcTcKk

Aug 2, 2020 · 1 like · 1 share · 313 followers View post →
Dr. Jezer Lezama
@JezMex · X

1) #lavado correcto de #manos con #agua y #jabón ( al menos dos veces al día) ha disminuido el riesgo de transmisión de infecciones respiratorias hasta en un 50%. https://t.co/nTN9ZffJmp https://t.co/YOgcRwcgQD

Feb 22, 2020 · 12,127 followers View post →
David Siegel
@PullNews · X

Doctors can make fewer people sick by washing their hands: https://t.co/cly2e4B5nQ

Jan 20, 2025 · 7,772 followers View post →
SystematicReviewBot
@EvidenceRobot · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 6,692 followers View post →

All mentions

DylanDensmore
@otphjfosho · X

@DrNeilStone @BernabeMVC “Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis” by Allison E. Aiello and colleagues, published in the American Journal of Public Health. Maybe read?

Sep 13, 2025 · 303 followers View post →
David Siegel
@PullNews · X

Doctors can make fewer people sick by washing their hands: https://t.co/cly2e4B5nQ

Jan 20, 2025 · 7,772 followers View post →
Swkswkswk
@Swkswkswkswkswk · X

@metallimoi @SSoleil19 @libe https://t.co/2aYcXsUXGW

Sep 23, 2024 · 1,557 followers View post →
Jacob Shields
@xSharkETH · X

@thtlibertychick @jakeshieldsajj There is a thing called evidence based medicine and this is what research looks like. https://t.co/3YXj0OxKbs

Nov 7, 2023 · 5 followers View post →
Hasan الإنسانية أولا
@Hasan08931491 · X

RT @catsscareme2021: Improvements in hand hygiene resulted in reductions in gastrointestinal illness of 31% (95% confidence intervals [CI]=…

Apr 24, 2023 · 8 shares · 2,836 followers View post →
Jane Hampson
@Hampson14Jane · X

RT @catsscareme2021: Improvements in hand hygiene resulted in reductions in gastrointestinal illness of 31% (95% confidence intervals [CI]=…

Apr 24, 2023 · 8 shares · 1,675 followers View post →
Rick
@RickSmithIHS · X

RT @catsscareme2021: Improvements in hand hygiene resulted in reductions in gastrointestinal illness of 31% (95% confidence intervals [CI]=…

Apr 24, 2023 · 8 shares · 2,979 followers View post →
Jessica Rojas
@catsscareme2021 · X

Improvements in hand hygiene resulted in reductions in gastrointestinal illness of 31% (95% confidence intervals [CI]=19%, 42%) and reductions in respiratory illness of 21% (95% CI=5%, 34%)." ~Source: https://t.co/THhSiYe149

Apr 24, 2023 · 44 likes · 8 shares · 218,344 followers View post →
Brigada Digital de Salud
@BriDigdeSalud · X

Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, use un desinfectante de manos con al menos un 60 % de alcohol para limpiarse las manos.Fuentes: https://t.co/WNUZCLkGB3 https://t.co/BDsnrxarwS https://t.co/Fo6AHbay8Z

Sep 30, 2022 · 216 followers View post →
Andrew Clough
@aclough · X

@acesounderglass @The_Lagrangian @MWCvitkovic Here are a couple of meta analysis that seem convincing. https://t.co/SD6YsI6uPc https://t.co/nuGD9i4v0J

Sep 30, 2021 · 202 followers View post →
Curie, Tesla & Roentgen, LLC
@Radxraymd · X

@JesseKellyDC https://t.co/5W4UKcTcKk

Aug 2, 2020 · 1 like · 1 share · 313 followers View post →
✌️
@Thierryy62 · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 21, 2020 · 21 shares · 2,747 followers View post →
mehdi 69
@mehdi6929 · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 21, 2020 · 21 shares · 301 followers View post →
Myriam MORIS
@MorisMyriam · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 21, 2020 · 21 shares · 2,379 followers View post →
#NotrePays
@HistoireSecrete · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 21, 2020 · 21 shares · 3,485 followers View post →
theunretired
@theunretired · X

https://t.co/urFVjubeOO

Mar 7, 2020 · 423 followers View post →
Cheeta
@UntoldSuffering · X

.

Mar 7, 2020 · 547 followers View post →
PANDA
@madeblanc · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 108 followers View post →
Ryko
@ric0971 · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 229 followers View post →
Zorgatorus
@zorgatorus · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 76 followers View post →
DavM
@sanahmath · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 134 followers View post →
Derocroy
@2Rocroy · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 254 followers View post →
Unalome
@tatoueeliberte · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 1,048 followers View post →
eliot_meredith ✝️
@eliot_meredith · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares View post →
ZoeZemour
@ZoeZemour · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 3,032 followers View post →
ptit chaton
@argenti59545613 · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 1,933 followers View post →
Ladelf
@Ladelf · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 2,652 followers View post →
Liopppp
@Liopppp1 · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 71 followers View post →
Cazandra
@rikilye · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 201 followers View post →
p'tin d'Europe
@phantoma_s · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 795 followers View post →
Qui Ne Dit Mot Consent
@Marie_Joseph_P · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 3,274 followers View post →
sveeeet
@gibizovasvetla1 · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 41 followers View post →
Karine
@advk02 · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 459 followers View post →
SystematicReviewBot
@EvidenceRobot · X

RT @HistoireSecrete: #Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver…

Mar 7, 2020 · 21 shares · 6,692 followers View post →
#NotrePays
@HistoireSecrete · X

#Coronavirus #COVIDー19 Vaudrait mieux que la Population soit équipée de Masques , plutôt que de lui dire de se laver les mains pour un Virus respiratoire !!

Mar 7, 2020 · 32 likes · 21 shares · 3,485 followers View post →
Alfredo Morabia
@AlfredoMorabia · X

Yes, There Is a Correct Way to Wash Your Hands—Here's How https://t.co/AD47YmMoyV via @YahooLifestyle #citesAJPH @AMJPublicHealth @PublicHealth Citing: Effect of Hand Hygiene on Infectious Disease Risk in the Community Setting: A Meta-Analysis, https://t.co/YN9dtTh4a2 #health https://t.co/QF6fR3Vgin

Mar 5, 2020 · 2,222 followers View post →
Dr. Jezer Lezama
@JezMex · X

1) #lavado correcto de #manos con #agua y #jabón ( al menos dos veces al día) ha disminuido el riesgo de transmisión de infecciones respiratorias hasta en un 50%. https://t.co/nTN9ZffJmp https://t.co/YOgcRwcgQD

Feb 22, 2020 · 12,127 followers View post →
CLEAR MSTV10N19 JJ2020 Dr.T.MADHANKUMAR HAWASSA ...
News

doi:10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610. income communities". International PMC 2446461 . Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene. 34. Fewtrell L, Kauffman RB, Kay D, 41 ...

Dec 17, 2025 View →
Using A Motion Controlled Game To Teach Four Elementary School ...
News

American Journal of Public Health, 98(8), 1372–1381. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610 games with several difficulty levels that users can choose ...

Dec 17, 2025 View →
E. coli Risks in Ethiopian Children | PDF | Dependent And ...
News

doi:10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610 for heart failure: systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Heart. 36. Sylvester W, Amadi V, Hegamin-Younger C, et al ...

Dec 17, 2025 View →
Article: N M Nsele, MB CHB, FC Paed (Sa) N H Mckerrow | PDF ...
News

https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2007.124610. Most of the participants washed their hands with soap and water and 7. Global Hygiene Council. Setting the hand ...

Dec 17, 2025 View →
Assessing Knowledge Attitude and Practices of Hand Hygiene Among
News

Health Association, 98, 1372–1381. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610. Aiello, A. E., Perez, V., Coulborn, R. M., Davis, B. M., Uddin, M ...

Dec 17, 2025 View →
WELL Building Standard V PDF | PDF | Air Pollution | Ventilation ...
News

doi:10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610. 44: Jumaa PA. Hand hygiene: Simple and complex. Int J Infect Dis. 2005;9(1):3-14. Reference 45: Chattman M. Occurrence of ...

Dec 17, 2025 View →
T.H.E. Project goes to Bo. Obrero Elementary School! T.H.E. Project ...
Instagram

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save lives ...

Nov 7, 2025 View →
T.H.E Project - T.H.E Project added a new photo. - Facebook
Facebook

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save lives ...

Sep 25, 2025 View →
[TOOTH BE TOLD!… Series] Orthodontics: More Than Just a Pretty ...
Facebook

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save lives ...

Sep 5, 2025 View →
[TOOTH BE TOLD… Series] Dental Sealants: A Shield for Young ...
Instagram

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save lives ...

Aug 16, 2025 View →
[TALK TO THE HAND… Series] Handwashing has saved millions ...
Facebook

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH. 2007.124610 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save ...

Aug 7, 2025 View →
[TALK TO THE HAND… Series] Handwashing has saved millions ...
Instagram

... 10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save lives – Facts about ...

Aug 7, 2025 View →
1 day remaining! All trails lead to this point, and now there is only 1 ...
Facebook

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH. 2007.124610 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save ...

Aug 7, 2025 View →
Today is the day! A kite has been soaring high, waiting to reach its ...
Facebook

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH. 2007.124610 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save ...

Aug 7, 2025 View →
Ra-FRESH-SIYA! Fresh na fresh ang ating mga participants for the ...
Facebook

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH. 2007.124610 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save ...

Jun 24, 2025 View →
Order of Asclepius added a new photo. - Order of Asclepius
Facebook

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH. 2007.124610 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save ...

Jun 2, 2025 View →
Winter respiratory infections: why are they more common?
Facebook

American Journal of Public Health, 98(8), 1372–1381. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2007.124610 CDC. (2023, March 9). Rhinoviruses: Common Colds | ...

Jan 4, 2025 View →
[HEAR HERE!... Series] Have you ever heard about Noise-Induced ...
Instagram

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 14). Handwashing: Clean hands save lives ...

Dec 13, 2024 View →
Hygiene - Wikipedia | PDF | Hygiene | Hand Washing
News

(8): 1372–81. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610 (http s://doi.org/10.2105%2FAJPH.2007.12 4610) . PMC 2446461 (https://www.nc bi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc ...

Aug 24, 2023 View →
Hand Hygiene: Soap vs Hand Sanitizer
News

https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610; Alzyood, M., Jackson, D., Aveyard, H., & Brooke, J. (2020). COVID-19 reinforces the importance of ...

Feb 17, 2021 View →
Household Antibacterial Products and Increased Antimicrobial ...
Blogs

(8), 1372-1381 DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.124610. Allison E. Aiello, Elaine L. Larson, Stuart B. Levy (2007). Consumer Antibacterial Soaps ...

Oct 20, 2008 View →