Global Hygiene Survey from SCA Reveals Americans Hygiene Concerns

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- New survey findings released today by leading, global hygiene company SCA reveal that Americans are surprisingly concerned about hygiene issues. In fact, more than a third of Americans (39 percent) worry about becoming ill due to poor hygiene and a majority (56 percent) have avoided places or activities outright due to concerns about hygiene.

Nearly half of all Americans (48 percent) realize that personal responsibility is the first key to improving hygiene standards, which starts with good hand hygiene such as regular handwashing. While more than 80 percent of Americans think they wash their hands enough, nearly as many (76 percent) think that others do not. Interestingly, American women wash their hands more often than American men. Women claim to wash their hands about ten times per day compared to seven times per day on average for men.

SCA released these survey findings in recognition of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, a day dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of handwashing as a simple and effective way to prevent diseases. The findings are part of a global survey SCA conducted in conjunction with its 2016-17 Hygiene Matters Report last month. Through the global survey and report, SCA seeks to raise awareness of the connection between hygiene, health and wellbeing around the world. 

"In developed countries like the US, concerns about hygiene are often overlooked or underestimated because of the many resources and public services at our disposal, but hygiene challenges persist," said Amy Bellcourt, Vice President, Communications, SCA. "At SCA, we're committed to raising awareness around proper hygiene standards and practices worldwide, and we know that increased education and communication around hygiene issues, such as the importance of proper handwashing, not only encourages people to live healthier lives but reduces the spread of disease and illness."

Surprisingly, a number of Americans struggle with basic hygiene due to lack of resources and understanding. For example:

• 26 percent say they don't have enough knowledge to care for their personal hygiene to stay healthy.
• 24 percent say they can't take care of personal hygiene due to how and where they live.
• 31 percent say they feel embarrassed or uncomfortable in social situations because of their personal hygiene.
• 46 percent believe US politicians and decision makers need to place a higher priority on national hygiene issues.

SCA has a long tradition of working in the communities in which it operates to raise awareness for hygiene issues and educate people of all ages on proper hand hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. In Philadelphia, SCA's North American headquarters, the company is working with area schools such as Our Mother of Consolation School in Chestnut Hill, to expand its education efforts on hand hygiene, using interactive demonstrations and apps and games.  

Please visit www.hygienematters.com to learn more.  

For additional information, please contact:

Diane Engler
Communications Director-North America
SCA
+1 610 499 3412
[email protected]

About the SCA Survey
The 2016 Global Hygiene Matters survey was conducted between May 31 and June 13, 2016 through web panels in 12 different countries, collecting answers from a total of 12,000 male and female respondents, ages 16 and up. National quotas have been used to obtain accurate representation of age and gender. Questions in the 2016 survey centered on hygiene taboos and stereotypes, hygiene at home, public hygiene, personal hygiene and menstruation, and active life. The survey has been planned, monitored and analyzed by United Minds and the data has been collected through digital questionnaires with the assistance of survey provider CINT. Access the full results and previous surveys and reports at www.hygienematters.com 

About SCA
SCA is a leading global hygiene and forest products company. The Group develops and produces sustainable personal care, tissue and forest products. Sales are conducted in about 100 countries under many strong brands, including the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and regional brands, such as Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, Vinda and Zewa. As Europe's largest private forest owner, SCA places considerable emphasis on sustainable forest management. The Group has about 44,000 employees. Sales in 2015 amounted to approximately SEK 115bn (EUR 12.3bn). SCA was founded in 1929, has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and is listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. For more information, visit www.sca.com

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SOURCE SCA Americas

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