Hand hygiene knowledge of primary health care workers in Abha city, South Western Saudi Arabia

Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Perception Survey for Healthcare Workers in Government Hospitals (GHs) in Bahrain

Introduction and aim Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a serious concern in all healthcare facilities as they may lead to many serious consequences, like prolonged hospitalization, increased mortality and morbidity, and extra costs. Effective hand hygiene (HH) is the primary proven measure known to be effective in reducing the risk of HAIs in all healthcare settings. This study aimed to measure the healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge and perception of HH at government hospitals (GHs) in Bahrain. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs working in GHs in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the targeted population using a Google survey (Google LLC, California, USA). The questionnaire includes socio-demographic data (e.g., age, gender, nationality, etc.) and a validated WHO questionnaire measuring perceptions and knowledge toward HH. Results Of the 285 HCWs, 75.4% were females, and 48.1% were aged between 31 and 40 years old. The overall mean perception was 35.9 (SD 6.93) out of 42 points, with nearly 80% of HCWs considered to have good perception levels. The overall mean knowledge score was 11.4 (SD 1.37) out of 14 points. Accordingly, 75.4% were considered to have good knowledge levels. Factors associated with increased perception include increasing age, female gender, non-Bahraini, being a nurse with increasing years of working experience, and receiving formal training in HH. Being a nurse was the sole significant predictor of increased knowledge. Conclusion The knowledge and perception of HH among HCWs were sufficient. Being a nurse was a significant predictor of both knowledge and perception. Further, a significant positive correlation was noted between the knowledge and perception scores. Maintaining the level of knowledge and perception of HH could lead to improved HH compliance among HCWs.

Knowledge about precautions in Primary Health Care: tool validation

OBJECTIVE

To elaborate and validate a tool to assess knowledge and behavior of nursing professionals about standards and specific precautions in the Primary Health Care.

METHOD

Methodological study of the elaboration and validation of the tool by thirteen experts judges, using a Likert scale of 4 points, with Content Validity Index ≥ 0.80, on clarity, relevance and pertinence.

RESULTS

A tool composed of 47 dichotomous questions to assess knowledge and 12 questions, with five options of answers, for the referred behavior. In the validation, only one item was deleted, related to the "Hands Hygiene" axis and one item was reformulated, regarding "Use of Common Gloves" and another 11 changed writing. The tool as a whole was assessed for relevance, comprehensiveness and representativeness within the scope of the topic investigated.

CONCLUSION

The developed tool has been validated and is now available for use in Primary Health Care.