Hand hygiene practices among health care workers at Naivasha district hospital maternal and neonatal units.
Abstract
Background
Health care associated infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially
among the vulnerable groups like the neonates and a majority of these infections are due to
contamination of HCWs hands. Hand hygiene is a simple cost effective measure for
preventing infections related to healthcare. Morbidity and mortality resulting from healthcare
associated infections (HCAIs) can greatly be reduced by adherence to the recommended hand
hygiene guidelines.
Objectives
The objectives of this study were to determine the hand hygiene practices among healthcare
workers (HCWs) in the maternal and neonatal units at Naivasha District Hospital and
assessing their knowledge and attitudes regarding HCAIs and the importance of hand
hygiene.
Study design
A descriptive cross sectional study where HCWs were observed using a standard WHO
observation tool to assess hand hygiene practices and later a questionnaire administered to
assess knowledge and attitudes as well as barriers to effective hand hygiene.
Conclusion
Theoverall compliance on hand hygiene among the HCWs was at 32.5 % a figure lower than
the global one of 39%. The highest compliance rates were commonly seen after patient
procedures. The overall knowledge on hand hygiene was good at 75%.The common barriers
to effective hand hygiene noted were lack of alcohol based hand rub 68/79(86.1%),
forgetfulness 48/79(60.8%) and 51/79(64.6%) opted to use gloves.
Recommendations
The hospital’s senior management team should support and openly promote hand hygiene.
There should be clear and simple instructions on hand hygiene made visible for every health
worker at their work stations. Health care workers should receive regular training on correct
hand hygiene practices and alcohol based hand rubs and towels should be made available in
the units.
Citation
Master Of Medicine In Paediatrics And Child HealthPublisher
University of Nairobi