Effects of Video Modeling and Visual Feedback on Handwashing in Preschool-Age Children

Abstract

Young children who attend out-of-home care (e.g., preschool and daycare) are more susceptible to infections than children who do not attend out-of-home care (Bylinsky, 1994). Previous research suggests handwashing is effective in reducing risk of infection and illness (Larson, 1988). However, research suggests that, in general, individuals do not routinely wash their hands using methods that healthcare agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have determined best practice (Witt & Spencer, 2004). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a video-modeling and visual-feedback intervention package on preschool-aged children’s handwashing using a multiple-baseline-across-groups design. Furthermore, to increase intervention effects even more, we implemented visual feedback plus in-situ feedback during handwashing sessions. We measured the percentage of correct handwashing steps and compared the cleanliness of participants’ hands pre- and post-handwashing. Results show that the video modeling and visual feedback intervention was effective at increasing both correct handwashing and cleanliness of participants’ hands, and the addition of in-situ feedback slightly increased these effects.