loading page

Impact of Time and Handwashing on Infection Inference of Communicable Diseases: A Comparison between Adults and Preschoolers
  • Fumikazu Furumi,
  • Yumiko Nishio
Fumikazu Furumi
Shizuoka Daigaku

Corresponding Author:fumikazu.furumi@gmail.com

Author Profile
Yumiko Nishio
Kio Daigaku
Author Profile

Abstract

This study examined how time and handwashing impact the inferential process related to infectious disease transmission among adults and preschoolers. Thirty-eight Japanese adults aged 18–23 years (8 men; 30 women) and 36 Japanese children aged 5–6 years (15 boys; 21 girls) reported their certainty regarding protagonists’ subsequent infection and whether handwashing affects infection risk across three scenarios (same-time, immediately-after, and next-day). Both age groups perceived a significantly higher likelihood of infection in the same-time condition than in the other conditions. Preschoolers estimated a lower likelihood of infection than adults (η p 2 = .25). Thus, preschoolers inferred infectious disease transmission more optimistically than adults. Amidst infectious disease outbreaks, adults must provide guidance regarding preventive measures, while being mindful of preschooler’s propensity to optimistically speculate about contagion.
Submitted to Public Health Challenges
24 Jan 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Mar 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
24 Jun 2024Submission Checks Completed
24 Jun 2024Assigned to Editor
24 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
15 Jul 20242nd Revision Received
16 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
16 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
16 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Accept