Self-reported handwashing frequency among pet and non-pet owners in the German adult population in 2023: a post-pandemic replication study

In a previous analysis of data from four surveys of the German adult population conducted in the 2010s, i.e., 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2019, substantial differences between pet and non-pet owners had been found in terms of higher self-reported handwashing compliance among non-pet owners. This difference was especially pronounced for the indication “after touching animals”. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased attention to infection prevention and control regarding interactions of humans with animals, including pets. Thus, it seems reasonable to assume that compliance rates may have changed to a certain degree. Using data from a survey conducted in post-pandemic 2023, our aim was to test this assumption by replicating the previous analyses and comparing pre- and post-pandemic compliance and reasons for non-compliance. Data from a cross-sectional computer-assisted telephone survey of the German population from 16 to 85 years, conducted in the summer of 2023, was analyzed (N = 3,597). For nine different indications, handwashing compliance was defined as stating to (almost) always wash one’s hands in a given situation. Participants stating to rarely or (almost) never wash their hands were asked for possible reasons. The pre-pandemic data to which the present data is compared comes from the previous surveys conducted in 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2019, which had used the same methodologies. In statistical analyses, Chi²-tests, the Cohen’s d indicator, and multiple logistic regressions were used. Across these time periods, pet owners were less likely to report handwashing after touching animals (35.5% pre-pandemic vs. 30.0% post-pandemic) in contrast to non-pet owners (55.7% pre-pandemic vs. 55.9% post-pandemic). The effect was found to be independent from potential confounders (p < 0.001). In contrast, compliance rates of pet and non-pet owners increased for other indications, in particular those associated with infection prevention measures highlighted in the context of the pandemic, e.g., before visiting someone weakened by disease. “Feeling that it is not necessary” remained the most confirmed reason for not washing hands among pet and non-pet owners (78.7% vs. 66.5%, d = 0.34). Taken together, results suggest that pet owners seem to be more compliant in situations where handwashing serves the protection of other people. Thus, as one facet of promoting pandemic preparedness, more risk communication may be needed on how and why washing one’s hands after touching animals, including pets, is about protecting other people and oneself from infections. • Little is known about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected pet owners’ infection preventive behaviors when caring for their pets, e.g., handwashing in different situations. • Before the pandemic, pet owners reported significantly lower handwashing compliance after touching animals than non-pet owners. • After the pandemic, pet and non-pet owners differed more widely than before due to decreased compliance among pet owners. • The results clearly indicate that the pandemic has affected pet and non-pet owners’ handwashing compliance differentially. • Pet owners may benefit from intensified educational interventions on handwashing as a behavior which serves purposes of self-protection.