As unbelievable as it may seem not everyone is a handwasher. The problem with this is those that do not wash their hands touch their nose, touch other body parts (you know what we mean, right?)  and can pass along bacteria and virses that can make you sick!

Today with infectious diseases becoming more common, and antibiotic resistant strains thriving, handwashing is an important topic to bring out of the shadows.  Believe it or not, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health. their are gender diferences in what motivates people to wash their hands.

Hand Washing Motivation Differs by Gender

The study  took place in the restrooms of a highway service station in the U.K. during the summer holidays, when the roads were busy with travelers of all ages.

The researchers set up an electronic message display, written in capitalized flashing letters, in the men's and women's restrooms. All of the messages were about the importance of washing hands with soap. But the messages differed in their tone.

Some messages spelled out the risks of not washing your hands, such as "Water doesn't kill germs, soap does."

Other messages tapped into social norms, such as "Is the person next to you washing with soap?" Still more messages went for what the researchers call the "yuck factor," such as "Don't take the loo with you -- wash with soap."

Sometimes the message board was blank.

Sensors on the restroom soap dispensers recorded how often people used soap.

Different Types of Messages Motivated Men and Women to Wash Their Hands.

"Disgust triggered the highest response in men but produced no significant response in women," according to the researchers.

Women were more responsive to messages that were about knowing the risks of not washing their hands.

"The only message that performed well in both genders was the message, 'Is the person next to you washing with soap," the researchers write. This messsage of potential embarrassment  was successful in motivating both sexes to wash their hands.

Interesting, huh?

Not Sure When to Wash your Hands?

You should wash you hands always:

• After going to the bathroom
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
• After handling an animal
• After handling animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound.
• Before preparing or eating food

 SOURCES: Judah, G. American Journal of Public Health, October 2009; vol 99: pp S405-S411.