Effectiveness of Immersive and Embodied Enhancement via "Virtual Reality" on the Sustainability of Hand Hygiene Compliance:Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of a School-Based Training Program.

In 30 seconds

This protocol describes a three-arm randomized controlled trial evaluating customized virtual reality (VR) handwashing education among secondary school students in Hong Kong. Approximately 500 students are expected to receive two sessions over one school year: two VR game sessions, a VR session followed by video review, or two video-based education sessions. The primary outcome is handwashing performance measured by ultraviolet fluorescence imaging before and after the intervention; surveys will assess behavioral outcomes, including at four-month follow-up. The abstract reports no effectiveness results, as data collection and analysis are planned for 2026–2027.

Key findings

• The planned trial will compare three educational approaches in approximately 500 secondary school students across nine participating schools.
• Handwashing performance will be assessed using pre- and postintervention ultraviolet fluorescence imaging.
• Surveys will measure behavioral determinants and handwashing habits before, immediately after, and four months after the intervention.

Why it matters

Hand hygiene education is a preventive strategy for reducing infectious disease transmission among school-aged children. This trial is designed to test whether immersive VR instruction can improve handwashing performance and whether any effects on habits and related behavioral factors persist. Its results may help clarify the value and feasibility of VR-based health education in school settings.

What to keep in mind

This is a protocol, so it reports no intervention outcomes or evidence of effectiveness. The planned study is limited to secondary school students in Hong Kong.