VR handwashing game to improve school students’ hand hygiene
Official title: Effectiveness of Immersive and Embodied Enhancement Via "Virtual Reality" on the Sustainability of Hand Hygiene Compliance: School-based RCT With 10-month Follow-up
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07659340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VR-based handwashing game is being tested to see if it helps junior secondary students in Hong Kong wash their hands better and keep the habit longer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07659340 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Hong Kong junior-form secondary school students enrolled in participating schools who have no contraindicating conditions to participate in VR activities.
✕Probably not a fit
Students with limited access to digital devices or difficulties using VR may not experience benefit and could have less engagement.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial tests a virtual reality handwashing education program built around a 7-step method promoted by health authorities. About 500 Hong Kong secondary students will be randomized into three groups to compare two VR sessions, one VR session plus a hygiene video, and another VR session configuration. The study evaluates immediate handwashing skills and longer-term hygiene habits over roughly nine months in a school setting. The lead sponsor is The University of Hong Kong, with the School of Future Media hosting activities. Outcomes will inform whether VR can enhance adherence to proper hand hygiene in schools.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, students may wash their hands more thoroughly and sustain better hygiene practices, potentially reducing transmission of infections in schools.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests VR can support behavioral changes, but school-based hand hygiene VR trials are limited, making this approach relatively novel in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hong Kong secondary school students studying junior forms Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where it's running
-
School of Future Media, The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: King-wa Fu, Professor — School of Future Media, The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Siu-lun Chow, PhD
- Email: chowcass@hku.hk
- Phone: +852 3917 1155
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.