Mortality and economic consequences of handwashing

Handwashing has increasingly become important in this COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine the consequences of handwashing on mortality and economy. Data from the World Development Indicators of the World Bank were used in the study for 82 countries in the world during 2009–2017. The dependent variables were GDP per capita and adult mortality rate. The main independent variable was the percentage of population with basic handwashing facilities including soap and water. The control variables included the percentage of population using at least basic drinking water services, the percentage of population using at least basic sanitation services, and HIV incidence. The data was analyzed using a structural regression model. The results of the study show that the adult mortality rate was negatively associated with the percentage of population with basic handwashing facilities including soap and water, even after controlling for other factors. The percentage of population using at least basic drinking water services, the percentage of population using at least basic sanitation services, and HIV incidence also had significant association with adult mortality. GDP per capita was negatively associated with the adult mortality rate.