How Frequently Do We Touch Facial T-Zone: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Researchers across the world are emphasising the importance of hand-washing and limited touching of face to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, access to safe water and hygiene is inadequate in many places around the globe; hence T-zone touching restriction is considered more worthwhile compared to other prevention strategies. Aim: A systematic review was carried out to appraise the frequency of T-zone (eyes, nose, mouth, chin) touching in humans to comprehend the challenge of its restriction, and thus support public health professionals to produce evidence synthesis guidance for public. For this systemic review, data were collected by keyword searching, and several online databases were searched. The PRISMA checklist, PECO protocol and STROBE guideline were followed in this review, and pooled data were analysed in R version 4. Result: Total of 10 single arms observational studies were included. The pooled average (SD) facial self-touch per hour was 50.06 (±47) times, and a specific touch of T-zone was 68.7 (±27). T-zone self-touch within the total facial self-touch was found higher R = 0.680, with 95% CI 0.14, 0.91, P = 0.02 and X 2 = 167.63, P < 0.0001. Conclusion: The review found that face-touch is a type of consistent regulatory movements. Control of T-zone touch requires extensive behaviour intervention and community awareness.

Individual shedder status and the origin of touch DNA

“…The transfer of DNA from face to hands may depend on personal habits such as the frequency of touching or scratching facial parts. It has been reported that people touch their face on average 50 times per hour [34]. Thus, even if some individuals tend to touch their face less than others, it seems that independently of such differences a person with a high release of DNA from the face also is more likely to deposit high amounts from the hands.…”

Interventions to prevent surface transmission of an infectious virus based on real human touch behavior: a case study of the norovirus

“…In the restaurant, diners, on average, touched surfaces 450 times per hour and staff members touched surfaces 761 times per hour owing to their frequent service. Touching mucous membranes (T-zone), which is influenced by occupations and indoor environments, plays the most critical role in infection risk ( Kwok et al, 2015 ;Rahman et al, 2020 ). Postgraduate students in offices touched their mucous membranes 35.0 times per hour ( Zhang et al, 2021d ).…”

Current systematic reviews and meta-analyses of COVID-19

“…Clusters of infection played an important role. Frequently touching the T-zone (eyes, nose, mouth, chin) increases the chance of COVID-19 infection[ 16 ]. Transmission from an asymptomatic/pre-symptomatic patient is possible and more significant with pre-symptomatic patients.…”