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

• Published in: Journal of family medicine and primary care 2017-01, Vol.6 (1), p.136-140
• Main Authors: Mahfouz, Ahmed A, Abolyazid, Ahmed, Al-Musa, Hasan M, Awadallah, Nabil J, Faraheen, Aesha, Khalil, Shamsunhar, El-Gamal, Mohammad N, Al-Musa, Khalid M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Hand hygiene; Handwashing; Health aspects; Hygiene; Management; Original; Primary health care; primary health care workers; Saudi Arabia
• ISSN: 2249-4863; 2278-7135
• DOI: 10.4103/2249-4863.214971

The aim of this is to find out the hand hygiene (HH) knowledge among primary health care workers (PHCWs) in Abha health district, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on a WHO "Knowledge Questionnaire for Health Care Workers." The study included 478 PHCWs (239 males and 239 females). The sample included 186 physicians, 212 nurses, and 80 technicians. The highest proportion receiving formal training was nurses (82.1%). Females (77.4%) received significantly more training than males (70.3%). Only 59.2% (283) of the HCWs properly identified unclean hands of HCWs as the main route of the cross. Only 26.4% (126) of the HCWs properly identified germs already present on or within the patient as the most frequent source of pathogens in a health-care facility. Only 54.8% (262) of HCWs properly identified 20 s as the minimal time needed for alcohol-based hand rub to kill most germs on hands. The study revealed gaps in the knowledge regarding HH. To promote HH at primary health care setting, WHO bundle of multimodal strategies should be adopted including system change; training/education; evaluation and feedback; reminders in the workplace; and institutional safety climate.