Hand Sanitizer Use During the Pandemic: Frequency and Health Effects Among Healthcare and Non-Healthcare Professionals.

BACKGROUND

Hand sanitizer use increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet knowledge about its safe use and potential health impacts remains limited, particularly across different occupational groups. There is a need to better understand the frequency and health effects of hand sanitizer use, especially when comparing healthcare professionals and non-healthcare professionals.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 305 adults from a central district of Türkiye, with 48.5% being healthcare professionals. Data were collected on participants' knowledge of sanitizer contents, frequency of use, and any health problems experienced. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with sanitizer-related health problems.

RESULTS

Only 28.4% of healthcare professionals and 12.1% of non-healthcare professionals reported full knowledge of the contents of the sanitizers they used. Daily use of hand sanitizer 10 or more times was reported by 53.4% of healthcare professionals and 33.8% of non-healthcare professionals. Regression analysis indicated that female gender and being a healthcare professional were significantly associated with sanitizer-related health problems (p < .01). Despite frequent use, both groups demonstrated insufficient knowledge regarding safe sanitizer use, which may contribute to increased health risks such as skin irritation or allergic reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of implementing targeted, evidence-based educational interventions and developing clear guidelines on the safe use of hand sanitizers for both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals. Future studies should focus on the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing healthcare-associated infections and improving hygiene practices.

APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Occupational health and public health professionals can use these results to design workplace and community-based training programs, promote safer hygiene practices, and minimize sanitizer-related health risks across diverse populations.