A Survey of Handwashing Knowledge and Attitudes among the Healthcare Professionals in Lahore, Pakistan

Predictors of hand hygiene attitudes among Saudi healthcare workers of the intensive care unit in Saudi Arabia

Healthcare-associated infections present a challenge to healthcare systems, particularly critical care units. Hand hygiene emerges as a crucial element in infection control, acting as a vital link between healthcare workers, patients, and pathogens. Positive attitudes, motivated by a genuine concern for patient safety, are recognized as major predictors of hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. This study aims to assess the attitudes of ICU staff toward hand hygiene and identify factors that influence these attitudes. A cross-sectional survey of intensive care unit staff in seven large Saudi hospitals was conducted using an anonymous, self-reporting questionnaire to examine the attitudes of ICU personnel about hand hygiene and determine the factors that impact these attitudes. A regression analysis was used to determine the determinants of hand hygiene attitudes. Of the 600 respondents, 93% rated their hand hygiene knowledge as good, and 71% received hand hygiene training from their hospital. Most respondents (78%) had previously experienced healthcare-associated infections. The majority reported a favorable overall attitude toward hand hygiene (M = 4.15, SD = 0.85). Attitudes toward hand hygiene were significantly associated with perceived knowledge (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), prior hand hygiene training (β = 0.13, p < 0.05), and years of experience (β = - 0.10, p < 0.05). Healthcare workers in the ICU have a generally positive attitude toward hand hygiene. Such attitudes were correlated with hand hygiene knowledge, prior training, and job experience. The study's findings can help to inform health promotion initiatives and campaigns aimed at achieving long-term improvements in hand hygiene behaviors.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the "Germ-Free Hands" intervention for improving the hand hygiene practices of public health students

PURPOSE

This quasi-experimental study sought to assess the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention called "Germ-Free Hands" to improve the hand hygiene practices of students attending Thailand's Sirindhorn College of Public Health (SCPH).

METHODS

The intervention was developed and implemented at SCPH and incorporated education, training, a workshop, and performance feedback. The intervention targeted behavioral antecedents specified by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Handwashing determinants (knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions) and hand hygiene behaviors were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention for the intervention group at (n=60) at the Suphanburi campus of SCPH and a matched control group (n=60) of students at the Ubonratchathani campus. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, two-way measures of analysis of variance, and a generalized estimating equation to compare handwashing practices by self-reports between two groups.

RESULTS

The "Germ-Free Hands" intervention produced significant improvements in the intervention group's handwashing knowledge, behavioral and control beliefs, subjective norm scores, intentions, and behaviors, as compared to the control group. However, the intervention had no significant impact on normative beliefs, attitudes, or perceived behavioral control. Reported improvements also decreased 3 months post-intervention, and the number of bacterial colonies on students' hands increased over the course of the study.

CONCLUSION

This study adds to the evidence that multidisciplinary interventions can be effective at improving handwashing rates. However, education and training must be continuous, rather than delivered as a one-time program, in order to have sustained results. Participants may also require more in-depth instruction in correct handwashing and drying techniques to remove bacteria effectively and prevent recolonization.

Hand hygiene knowledge and attitude of medical students in western Saudi Arabia

Background

The practice of hand hygiene (HH) has prime importance among Health Care Professionals (HCPs) and non-compliance could cause adverse consequences. By keeping the importance of HH in mind, this study aims at investigating the knowledge and attitudes towards HH among medical students and interns at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA).

Methods

The study includes 453 medical students and interns (189 males & 264 females). This study was completed in three months; from September to November 2017. The World Health Organization (WHO) HH questionnaire was used and data were analyzed on SPSS-21.

Results

Two-third of the participants 292 (64.2%) had formal training in HH in the last three years. Almost half of the participants 254 (56.1%) had correct knowledge regarding the major course of transmission of potentially detrimental microbes among patients in the healthcare premises. Just 124 (27.4%) of the respondents had the correct knowledge about the most common basis of germs accountable for healthcare-related infections. Females had significantly better knowledge than males regarding the type of HH technique needed before palpation of the abdomen (177(54%) Vs. 151(46%); P < 0.002), before an injection (175(54.5%) Vs. 146(45.5%); P < 0.007), after emptying a bedpan (207(64.7%) Vs. 113(35.3%); P < 0.001), following discarding examination gloves (256(60.4% Vs. 168(39.6%); P < 0.001] and after exposure to blood (200(64.1%) Vs. 112(35.%); P < 0.001). Female participants had better knowledge than males regarding the type of HH actions. Females also had a significantly better attitude towards the importance of HH than males (240(62.5%) Vs. 144(37.5%); P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The majority of the participants' knowledge regarding HH was not up to the mark; however, female students had better knowledge compared to male students. The medical students and interns' knowledge and positive attitude towards HH can play a pivotal role in preventing HCPs associated infections and it would overall decrease the infection-related burden on the hospital and governmental budgets. It is suggested that multi-dimensional plans are required to change this low compliance to a higher rate.