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Effect of Optimal Alcohol-Based Hand Rub among Nurse Students Compared with Everyday Practice among Random Adults; Can Water-Based Hand Rub Combined with a Hand Dryer Machine Be an Alternative to Remove E. coli Contamination from Hands? Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020325. [PMID: 36838290 PMCID: PMC9963388 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient hand hygiene is essential for preventing the transmission of microorganisms. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is a recommended method. We compared health personnel (skilled nurse students) with random adults to study the effect of an ABHR procedure. A water-based hand rub (WBHR) procedure, using running tap water and a hand-drying machine, was also investigated. The study included 27 nurse students and 26 random adults. Hands were contaminated with Escherichia coli, and concentrations of colony forming units (CFU/mL) were determined before and after ABHR or WBHR. Concentrations after ABHR were 1537 CFU/mL (nurse students) and 13,508 CFU/mL (random adults) (p < 0.001). One-third of participants reported skin irritation from daily ABHR. Concentrations after WBHR were 41 CFU/mL (nurse students) and 115 CFU/mL (random adults) (p < 0.011). The majority of participants (88.5%) preferred the WBHR method. Results from 50 air samples from filtered air from the hand dryer outlet showed no CFU in 47 samples. A significant difference between the two groups was shown for the ABHR method, indicating that training skills are important for efficient hand hygiene. Surprisingly, the WBHR method seemed to have a significant effect in largely removing transient bacteria from hands.
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Rahman Zuthi MF, Hossen MA, Pal SK, Mazumder MH, Hasan SMF, Hoque MM. Evaluating knowledge, awareness and associated water usage towards hand hygiene practices influenced by the current COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. GROUNDWATER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2022; 19:100848. [PMID: 36164324 PMCID: PMC9493147 DOI: 10.1016/j.gsd.2022.100848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hand hygiene is considered as one of the most effective ways for preventing transmissible diseases, especially for preventing virus-borne diseases. The study has been conducted to evaluate changes in knowledge, awareness and practices of hand hygiene due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bangladesh. The potential factors influencing human behaviours for maintaining hand hygiene have also been explored. Moreover, a probable increase in daily water demand associated with the changed situation has been assessed. An online survey was performed among a total of 367 Bangladeshi residents about their practices of hand hygiene during pre-corona, corona, and of their perceived future practices at post-corona period. It has been observed that a significant percentage (62.1%) of the respondents have received basic hygiene education at any level of their academic education. Nevertheless, their hygiene practices were very poor before the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak of the COVID-19 has reinforced their previous knowledge and greatly influenced their behavioural changes towards practicing hand hygiene as per World Health Organization guidelines for preventing the virus outbreak. The changes, however, have created increased water demand. The estimated water usage is found to be 2.68 times (9.15 L/c/d) and 2.52 times (8.59 L/c/d) higher in the corona and post-corona period respectively than that of the pre-corona situation (3.41 L/c/d). The principal component analysis (PCA) elucidated that an individual's practice of hand hygiene was associated with income, level of academic and hygiene education, and the COVID-19 outbreak itself. Moreover, the influence of hygiene education and COVID-19 outbreak affecting the duration of handwashing are found highly significant (p-value < 0.001) from the regression analysis. Raising awareness towards behavioural change of an individual about water usage, improvement of academic curriculum regarding hand hygiene and provision of water pricing are recommended to attain sustainable development goals of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mst Farzana Rahman Zuthi
- Center for Environmental Science & Engineering Research (CESER), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - Md Arif Hossen
- Center for Environmental Science & Engineering Research (CESER), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - Sudip Kumar Pal
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - Maruful Hasan Mazumder
- Department of Disaster Engineering and Management, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - S M Farzin Hasan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - Md Muzamamel Hoque
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
- Southern University Bangladesh, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
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Kasapoğlu S, Parlak-Yetişen L, Özdemir A, Dikmen D. Assessment of the effect of hand dryers used in shopping malls on hand hygiene. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:1098-1102. [PMID: 35085658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand drying is one of the most important factors affect hand hygiene. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of hand dryers used in the restrooms located on the food court floors in shopping malls in Turkey on hand hygiene. METHODS Hands were washed for at least 20 seconds by following hygienic hand washing procedures of the World Health Organization. Swab samples were taken from the wet hands after hand washing, then from the dry hands, which were dried under the hand dryers and from the air blowing part of the hand dryers. Samples were cultured on agar plates that were directly exposed to the air-blowing part of the hand dryers. RESULTS It was found that total coliform bacteria were 0.000 colony-forming unit (CFU)/petri in wet and dried hand, 3.437 CFU/petri in blown air and 5.250 CFU/petri in swab samples. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be 0.125, 64.125, 26.375, and 388.750 CFU/petri, respectively. Total bacteria count was found to be 0.687, 48.750, 35.625, and 595.000 CFU/petri, respectively. S. aureus and the total bacterial load were higher in the blower outlet of the hand dryers than washed hand, blown air and dried hand (P < .05). The bacteria count in the unfiltered hand dryers was higher than that in the filtered hand dryers (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Using hand dryers would negatively affect hand hygiene even if hands were washed following hygienic hand washing procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Kasapoğlu
- General Directorate of Health Services, Presidential Complex, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lütfiye Parlak-Yetişen
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aslıhan Özdemir
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Derya Dikmen
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Le AB, Perez-Patron M, Ward LM, Comai A, Beam EL, Gibbs SG. Characteristics Associated With Consistent Handwashing and Satisfaction in the Workplace: A Pilot Survey of U.S. Workers. Workplace Health Saf 2022; 70:21650799221082305. [PMID: 35491860 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221082305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study seeks to determine what handwashing facilities are available to workers, predominantly in the manufacturing and service industries, to find out if their workplace has the appropriate resources to conduct proper handwashing and how that affects handwashing satisfaction. METHODS This cross-sectional study surveyed U.S. adult workers (N = 241) on their workplace handwashing equipment and facilities. The associations between demographic characteristics, consistent handwashing, and handwashing satisfaction were evaluated using Fisher's exact test. FINDINGS Eighty-eight percent of respondents reported consistent handwashing. Pulling a handle to exit the restroom was negatively associated with handwashing satisfaction (p = .004) and having difficulty with an automatic faucet or dispenser was negatively marginally significant in its association with handwashing consistency (p = .10). CONCLUSION/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE Greater understanding of the available equipment in workplace restroom facilities and how to improve selection and use of that equipment may improve workers' handwashing experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora B Le
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
| | - Maria Perez-Patron
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University
| | - Lauren M Ward
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
| | - Andrew Comai
- College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center
| | - Elizabeth L Beam
- Health and Safety Department, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
| | - Shawn G Gibbs
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University
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Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infections and exposure in surfaces, points and wastewaters: A global one health perspective. CASE STUDIES IN CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 5. [PMID: 37520285 PMCID: PMC8785403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 or its RNA on surfaces, points, or wastewaters may increase the risk of transmission of this virus. Therefore, we conducted this review to discuss the places and surfaces with the highest potential for infection and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several common and public areas, hospitals, elevators, public transport, local markets, and surfaces such as public toilets, door handles, untreated and treated wastewaters, wastewater plants, and public washrooms are also considered major points for spreading of SARS-CoV-2. Highly contaminated surfaces or places often have materials or contain items made of materials on which the SARS-CoV-2 virus can persist (e.g., metal, wood, and plastic). For example, SARS-CoV-2 can exist up to 4 days on doorknobs made by those materials. For public places such as public transports, elevators, and local markets, crowding and enclosed spaces are major source for transmission. Several measures such as using copper alloy surfaces instead of metal surfaces, disinfectants, and suitable personal protective equipment have been suggested. Our research could be the basis to help develop studies on the existence and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 as well as its RNA to take measures to prevent and limit the harmful effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Săveanu CI, Porsega A, Anistoroaei D, Iordache C, Bobu L, Săveanu AE. Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate Knowledge on Hand Hygiene in a Pandemic Context with SARS-CoV-2. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58020304. [PMID: 35208627 PMCID: PMC8878756 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The basis of any infection control program is hand hygiene (HH). The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge of HH among medical students. Materials and Methods: Students were randomly selected from two Romanian universities and a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between January and May 2021. The answers regarding demographic data and knowledge concerning the methods, the time and the antiseptics used for HH were collected. The selection of the study group was made according to selection criteria in accordance with ethical issues. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and a chi-square test was used for data comparison, with a cut-off point of 0.05 for statistical significance. Results: The results indicated that the attitude of the students towards the practice of HH improved significantly. Most students believe that simple HH can control infections. Significant differences were found by the year of study in terms of the hand surfaces included and recommended duration (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, the study shows that most respondents have sufficient knowledge on HH, meaning that a higher compliance is required to control infections. The indicated reasons of non-compliance with HH are emergencies and other priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cătălina Iulia Săveanu
- Department I—Surgicals, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Andreea Porsega
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.P.); (A.E.S.)
| | - Daniela Anistoroaei
- Department I—Surgicals, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Correspondence: or (D.A.); (C.I.); or (L.B.); Tel.: +4-0721-377-269 (D.A.); +4-0745-503-852 (C.I.); +4-0747-896-205 (L.B.)
| | - Cristina Iordache
- Department of Implantology, Removable Prostheses, Dental Technology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: or (D.A.); (C.I.); or (L.B.); Tel.: +4-0721-377-269 (D.A.); +4-0745-503-852 (C.I.); +4-0747-896-205 (L.B.)
| | - Livia Bobu
- Department I—Surgicals, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Correspondence: or (D.A.); (C.I.); or (L.B.); Tel.: +4-0721-377-269 (D.A.); +4-0745-503-852 (C.I.); +4-0747-896-205 (L.B.)
| | - Alexandra Ecaterina Săveanu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.P.); (A.E.S.)
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Dancer SJ, Li Y, Hart A, Tang JW, Jones DL. What is the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 from the use of public toilets? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148341. [PMID: 34146809 PMCID: PMC8192832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Public toilets and bathrooms may act as a contact hub point where community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs between users. The mechanism of spread would arise through three mechanisms: inhalation of faecal and/or urinary aerosol from an individual shedding SARS-CoV-2; airborne transmission of respiratory aerosols between users face-to-face or during short periods after use; or from fomite transmission via frequent touch sites such as door handles, sink taps, lota or toilet roll dispenser. In this respect toilets could present a risk comparable with other high throughput enclosed spaces such as public transport and food retail outlets. They are often compact, inadequately ventilated, heavily used and subject to maintenance and cleaning issues. Factors such as these would compound the risks generated by toilet users incubating or symptomatic with SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, toilets are important public infrastructure since they are vital for the maintenance of accessible, sustainable and comfortable urban spaces. Given the lack of studies on transmission through use of public toilets, comprehensive risk assessment relies upon the compilation of evidence gathered from parallel studies, including work performed in hospitals and prior work on related viruses. This narrative review examines the evidence suggestive of transmission risk through use of public toilets and concludes that such a risk cannot be lightly disregarded. A range of mitigating actions are suggested for both users of public toilets and those that are responsible for their design, maintenance and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Dancer
- Department of Microbiology, Hairmyres Hospital, NHS, Lanarkshire G75 8RG, Scotland, UK; School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH14 1DJ, Scotland, UK.
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alwyn Hart
- Environment Agency, Research Assessment & Evaluation, Streetsbrook Road, Solihull B91 1QT, West Midlands, England, UK
| | - Julian W Tang
- Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, England, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, Wales, UK; UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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