Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event that has generated many changes in public behaviour. The purpose of this study was to examine if Canadians are increasing their handwashing compliance due to the pandemic as well as to assess if different demographic variables are associated with handwashing knowledge or behaviour. METHODS: An online survey was created using SurveyMonkey and distributed through Canadian subreddits. The survey included 12 questions regarding demographics, handwashing knowledge, and public opinion. Statistical analyses were conducted using the NCSS 2021. RESULTS: Based on data collected from 154 respondents, there was a 63% increase in handwashing frequency during the pandemic. Statistical analyses showed associations between handwashing frequency and higher education (P = 0.02) and handwashing frequency and greater exposure to health promotional efforts (p = 0.01). There were no statistically significant associations between handwashing frequency and gender (p = 0.4966), age group (p = 0.1716), nor between handwashing knowledge and handwashing frequency (p = 0.8467). CONCLUSIONS: Health authorities and other government agencies should continue to educate and promote handwashing to the Canadian public, targeting specific higher risk groups such as those with less education, in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.