Mandatory handwashing in elementary schools reduces absenteeism due to infectious illness among pupils: A pilot intervention study.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of mandatory, scheduled hand washing on actual absenteeism due to infectious illness in elementary school pupils in Denmark. The results suggest that hand washing could be an effective tool to reduce absences due to infectious illness in elementary school pupils. A school policy regarding hand hygiene and teaching of hand hygiene is warranted. Am J Infect Control. 2009;37(10):820-6.