Virtual Reality Intervention to Enhance and Sustain Handwashing Skills in Hong Kong Secondary Schools Over 10 Months

What this Trial Is About

This research evaluates a virtual reality VR intervention designed to teach handwashing skills to junior secondary students in Hong Kong. The study aims to see if the VR game improves handwashing technique and promotes lasting hygiene habits. It addresses important questions about how VR-based education may enhance learning and sustain behavior changes compared to other educational methods. Participants will be randomly divided into three groups for two educational sessions over a 9-month school year. One group will have two VR game sessions focused on a 7-step handwashing method, another group will have one VR session and one video session about hand hygiene, and the third group will have two VR sessions unrelated to hand hygiene plus a handwashing poster. The VR game includes guided practice and challenge modes with hand-motion tracking. During the study, participants will play the VR game or attend videoVR activities, perform handwashing with fluorescent lotion for UV imaging to assess cleanliness, and complete questionnaires on knowledge, habits, attitudes, and VR experience. Hand-imaging data will be collected before and after the interventions to measure handwashing performance and sustained effects. Surveys will be conducted at several points to evaluate behavioral factors and hygiene knowledge over the study period.

Effectiveness of VR on the Sustainability of Hand Hygiene Compliance: School-based RCT With 10-month Follow-up