Examining university students' sneezing and coughing etiquette

Abstract

University students' cough etiquette (CE) was observed and compared with the standards of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Contrary to the CDC's recommendations, most students covered their mouth with their hands (53.3%) or did not cover at all (23.5%). Less than one-quarter of students used a sleeve arm, elbow, or tissue as advised by the CDC. Sex analysis revealed women were more likely to use a hand cover than men, whereas men were twice as likely to sneeze or cough into the air. Future research to study and improve student CE is encouraged.

Keywords: Cough etiquette; Coughing and sneezing; Respiratory event; Sex differences.