In a recent survey conducted by WASH UP, a civil society organization, across five districts in Uganda including Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Mbale, and Mbarara, it was found that at least 8 out of 10 men do not wash their hands after using the toilet.
The survey, carried out between October and December 2023, interviewed a total of 1000 individuals, both men and women aged between 16 and 50 years. One of the most notable findings of the survey was the significant difference between men and women in handwashing habits.
While at least 7 out of 10 women reported washing their hands after using the toilet, the majority of men seemed to overlook this essential hygiene practice.
“This gap highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve handwashing behaviors among men in Uganda. The consequences of poor hand hygiene extend beyond personal cleanliness.
Neglecting to wash hands regularly after using the toilet can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, contributing to the transmission of infectious diseases,” notes the survey report.
The survey sheds light on one of the most critical yet neglected aspects of public health: handwashing.
Some of the men interviewed for the survey stated that they do not wash their hands because “it is time-wasting.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), failure to wash hands and maintain good hygiene could lead to the spread of diseases such as diarrhea, a leading cause of death among children under five globally.
The findings of the WASH UP survey could serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities in Uganda.