Hygiene-Report reveals personal hygiene priorities in Austria

A new Hygiene-Report conducted by the research institute IMAS on behalf of the drugstore chain dm reveals that personal hygiene is a high priority for the Austrian population. According to the survey, 94 percent of respondents consider personal hygiene important, with 92 percent emphasizing the avoidance of body odor.

Despite high self-awareness, there is a perceived gap in public hygiene; only 40 percent of respondents are satisfied with the hygiene of others in public transport. Researchers suggest this discrepancy may stem from knowledge gaps regarding consistent hygiene practices.

The report highlights varying habits depending on the situation. While 87 percent of Austrians wash their hands after using the restroom, only 15 percent do so after shaking hands. Regarding food preparation, two-thirds wash their hands before or after handling raw meat, and 59 percent wash them before eating. Daily grooming habits include 68 percent showering at least once a day and 65 percent using deodorant or antiperspirant daily or multiple times a day.