Factors influencing handwashing among community dwelling older adults, using the 2021 Community Health Survey: A secondary analysis study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify handwashing in older adults living in the community and to identify the factors affecting handwashing. Methods: A total of 73,492 older adults were selected and analyzed using the 2021 Community Health Survey. The Rao-Scott χ2 test was conducted to evaluate the differences between demographic, health status, and fear of infection with COVID-19, and health literacy according to handwashing. Results: Gender (odds ratio [OR]=2.56, p<.001), age (OR=1.61, p<.001), education (OR=0.60, p<.001), region (OR=2.35, p<.001), monthly income (OR=1.21, p=.036), subjective health status (OR=1.95, p<.001), depression experiences (OR=1.38, p=.006), fear of COVID-19 infection (OR=2.44, p<.001), and health literacy (OR=1.71, p<.001) were identified as significant influencing factors of older adult handwashing. Conclusion: Based on these research results, it is necessary to develop and implement an education program for proper handwashing for older male adults residing in rural areas and/or living in local communities with low levels of education and poor health.