Health Solutions

Hygiene Theory

 

An online search on the theory of hygiene lead me to two very different discussions on hygiene – one that has to do with work motivation or the Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory and one that says being excessively clean could result to allergies or better known as the hygiene hypothesis.
 
Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory
 
Surprisingly, top results on a search of hygiene theory show Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory – a topic that has nothing to do with hygiene in the sense of maintaining cleanliness. However, it is best to be informed on what is Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory.
 
Dr. Frederick Herzberg is a clinical psychologist who came up with his two factor theory on work motivation: 
 
  1. Hygiene Theory which involves what is known today as the hygiene factors that do not lead to higher levels of motivation but without them there is dissatisfaction.
  2. Motivation involves the real motivators of a work force that includes Achievement; Recognition; Growth / advancement; and most importantly Interest in the job.
 
Both hygiene theory and motivation must be done simultaneously as these has been largely studied and applied by many of today’s top companies. Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory recognizes that true motivation comes from within a person.
 
 
Hygiene theory of being excessively clean 
 
Another topic on hygiene theory stems from discussions on being so meticulous on one’s cleanliness may result to allergies.This is also known as the hygiene hypothesis which explains the rising incidence of allergic diseases because of the following:
 
  1. Lesser occurrence of allergy in those living on farms or in rural areas because of the possibility of being more exposed to bacteria in barns and elsewhere in the country side
  2. Lesser occurrence of allergy in younger children of large families with 3 or more older siblings because of repeated exposure to infection from older siblings
  3. Lesser occurrence of asthma and wheezing in children who go to day care centers where they are exposed to more infections.
 
Basically, this explains why some people suffer from an overactive immune system. Scientists considered that the enormous increase in allergic conditions was the result of our removal of major infections during the childhood years. This is due to our increased concern with hygiene, use of vaccinations and regular use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. These then leaves the immune system with nothing to do and becomes over active, ultimately beginning to attack our own cells (anti bodies) rather than those of harmful foreign intruders, leading to allergies.  
 
This hygiene theory explains that exposure to allergens in the environment early in life reduces the risk of developing allergies. This exposure boosts the immune system activity while comparatively very clean environment in early life could lead the immune system towards allergic responses.