Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions and practices of disinfectant use among students at the City University of New York (CUNY) before, during, and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on behaviors observed following a controversial statement made by President Donald Trump in April 2020 suggesting the potential use of disinfectants as a treatment for a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Utilizing an online survey of 441 CUNY students, data was collected on cleaning and disinfection behaviors during four distinct periods: pre-pandemic (January–February 2020), during the pandemic’s height (March–April 2020), after the pandemic’s height (June–August 2020), and following the aforementioned presidential statement. Data patterns illustrate an increase in cleaning frequency and disinfectant use during the peak of the pandemic, followed by a notable decrease after the presidential statement. The data also illustrated potentially dangerous practices, such as misting the body with cleaning sprays and using household cleaners on bare skin, though these behaviors generally decreased after the peak of the pandemic. The study highlights the impact of public health communication and the role of misinformation in shaping hygiene practices during a crisis. It underscores the need for clear, evidence-based messaging to promote safe and effective disinfectant use and to counter misinformation that may lead to harmful behaviors. This novel research contributes to the understanding of how a specific student population responded to the pandemic and provides insights for future public health interventions.

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