HLTH 511 Research Final Submission

Liberty University Master of Public Health Health 511 Public Health Research Methods The Relationship Between Age, Gender, and Handwashing Time AIDA DENISSE PRYBYLSKI ID: L28922439 July 13, 2018 Words: 764 08 Fa ...

Liberty University Master of Public Health Health 511 Public Health Research Methods The Relationship Between Age, Gender, and Handwashing Time AIDA DENISSE PRYBYLSKI ID: L28922439 July 13, 2018 Words: 764 08 Fall Abstract Data from 100 subjects, 50 males and 50 female, were provided for this study. The independent t-test for mean differences between gender and handwashing time was t(98)=-.361, p=.218 Results of this study indicate that there is no significant relationship between age, gender, and handwashing time. There is a significant difference between male and female handwashing times. Introduction The purpose of this study is to identify if male and female handwashing times significantly differ. In many studies, hand hygiene has been identified as the foremost infection prevention method.1 The transmission of communicable diseases can be greatly decreased with effective hand hygiene. Cross-sectional studies are commonly used to determine if there is a relationship between the age of an individual and hand hygiene. Even though there are proven benefits to hand washing, it is important to determine if the age of an individual has an impact on hand washing. Hand hygiene has been identified as an important health measure that needs to be improved.2 There is a need for determining if there is a relationship between age and handwashing time. One possible determinant is the sex of the individuals. It is possible that age and gender can both have a relationship in hand hygiene and the time spent during hand washing. Methods Sample: 50 males and 50 females were included in the data set. Measurements: A data set was provided regarding handwashing which included: Sex of the participant Age of the participant. Time spent handwashing in seconds. Statistical Procedures: A variety of descriptive statistical data were done; including mean, range, minimum, maximum, standard deviation, variance, skewness, and Levene’s tests. Pearson and Spearman correlation tests were also utilized. Hypothesis 1 Tested: Null Hypothesis: There is no significant relationship between age, gender, and handwashing time. Alternative Hypothesis: There is a significant relationship between age, gender, and handwashing time. Hypothesis 2 Tested: Null Hypothesis: There is no significant difference between male and female handwashing times. Alternative Hypothesis: There is a significant difference between male and female handwashing times. Hypothesis tested at the 0.05 level of significance (95% CI). Data analysis was done using SPSS. Results Table 1. Descriptive statistics. Descriptive Statistics Mean Std. Deviation N Seconds 8.4400 3.86207 100 Sex 1.5000 .50252 100 Age 20.0000 1.42134 100 Table 2. Tests of Normality. Tests of Normality Kolmogorov-Smirnova Shapiro-Wilk Statistic df Sig. Statistic df Sig. Seconds .105 100 .008 .979 100 .108 Figure 1. Distribution of handwashing time