Public restrooms are often a hub of microbial contamination and the examination of bacterial contamination in these facilities can serve as an important indicator of the transmission of infectious diseases. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in public restrooms based on the economic class of the building. Samples were collected from various spots in 32 restrooms found in 10 shopping malls, classifying them into two categories: upper-end restrooms and lower-end restrooms. The findings showed that the level of contamination was higher in the lower-end restrooms, with the seat being the most contaminated area. The most dominant Gram-positive bacteria were of the coagulase-negative staphylococci species, making up 86% of the identified Gram-positive isolates. The most dominant Gram-negative bacteria identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The antibiotic sensitivity test results revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria among the Gram-positive and negative isolates, including Staphylococcus haemolyticus (S. haemolyticus), Staphylococcus kloosii (S. kloosii), Acinetobacter baumanii (A. baumanii), and P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of monitoring bacterial contamination in public restrooms and the need for measures to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Further research is crucial to gain a complete understanding of the bacterial contamination in public restrooms and their resistance patterns, to ensure the safety and health of the public. The implementation of improved cleaning practices and hands-free designs in addition to the installation of antimicrobial surfaces in restrooms can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and prevent the spread of diseases.

Transgender people often avoid going to the bathroom in public, at work, and at school because they are afraid of facing problems while using them. Utilizing the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, the largest sample to date with transgender people, this study (N = 25,694) aimed to understand the factors associated with avoiding bathroom usage as well as how the avoidance may impact the health of transgender people. Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with avoidance of bathrooms. More than six out of 10 transgender people avoided using public bathrooms. Being questioned about a person\'s bathroom choice, gender identity, perception of gender identity, previous experiences of discrimination, suicidal ideation, and serious psychological distress were found to be associated with avoidance of public bathrooms due to fears of having problems when using them. Gender-neutral bathrooms that are safe and accessible for transgender people need to be more available and accessible in the United States.

Safe access to public restrooms is an essential need for participation in civic life, in the workplace, in educational settings, and other public spaces. This is no different for transgender people. However, access to public restrooms according to gender identity has sparked controversy to the extent that transgender people face embarrassment and even expulsion from these spaces. The lack of access of the transgender population to public restrooms has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of this population. Thus, this article aims to address the main consequences that the ban on the use of bathrooms has for the transgender population, specifically the access of transgender women to the women\'s restroom. We covered some legal aspects of \"bathroom laws\" and the main arguments in this discussion. We understand that the prohibition of access to the restroom constitutes a form of gender violence and discrimination, as we conclude that the arguments that express concerns about safety are not supported.

BACKGROUND: Daily use of public restrooms may have a significant impact on spreading infectious diseases. Human society could be affected by spreading of transitional infectious diseases through feces, urinary tract infection and poor personal hygiene. According to the World Health Organization reports, plenty of people\'s developed diseases caused by contaminated public restrooms that may result in severe health problems.
METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 7,482 samples that were collected randomly in 6 months (spring and summer 2019) in different regions of Tehran. The Data were obtained by analyzing 804 restroom\'s indoor and outdoor handles, 1062 toilet faucet, 826 washbasin taps, 1,062 toilet hoses, 804 flush tank levers, 643 soap dispenser bottoms, 643 liquid soaps, 99 bar soaps, 169 toilet papers and paper towels, and 50 hand dryer machines. Samples which were tested, based on bacteriology standard methods.
RESULTS: 7,482 samples were gathered of which 6,678 contaminated cases (89.25%) were observed and 804 cases (10.75%) were found non-contaminated. Escherichia coli with 28.48% and Pseudomonas with 0.39% were the most and the least common bacteria, respectively, in this study.
CONCLUSIONS: The required tests to identify the bacteria that cause contamination through the use of public restrooms have been done. It is essential to inform the public of the mentioned items and teach how to prevent infectious diseases.

Public restrooms in U.S. culture are highly gendered, politicized, problematic spaces. Gender non-conforming lesbians may feel especially at risk for various forms of harassment or policing by other occupants in the \"ladies\' (rest)room.\" Using auto-ethnographic lived experiences as observations, this essay explores reactions of other women/female occupants in public restrooms designated for female persons to the presence of a gender non-conforming lesbian (the author). Reactions include no response, fear and flight or fight, screaming/shrieking, and active policing. Differences by location and region, and changes in responses over time, are also explored.