HAND HYGIENE PRACTICES FOR GENERAL MEDICINE STUDENTS IN IASI, ROMANIA

• Main Authors: Carina Balcoș, Livia Bobu, Dana Bosînceanu, Maria Bolat, Anca Stupu, Andrei Nicolau, Magda Bârlean, Loredana Hurjui, Adina Armencia, Iulia Cătălina Săveanu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Romanian Dental Association for Education 2019-08-01
• Series: Romanian Journal of Medical and Dental Education
• Subjects: hand hygiene; medical students
• Online Access: http://journal.adre.ro/hand-hygiene-practices-for-general-medicine-students-in-iasi-romania/
• ISSN: 2393-1108; 2393-1531

Hands have been identified as the main source of germ transmission during medical care. Every person involved in patient care, medical or otherwise, should be able to accurately perform hand hygiene at the right time. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge about hand hygiene practices among Iasi medical students. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire based on a set of 25 questions to evaluate the hand hygiene knowledge practiced between general medical students of V and VI years of study who practice in hospitals in Iasi. Results: 98 medical students of V and VI year from UMPh Grigore T.Popa from Iasi were de study participants. The mean age was 23.2 years ± 1.26 years. More than half of the participants were female. 60.3% believed that the main sources of infection is the patient exposure to colonized surfaces (beds, chairs, tables, floor) and air circulation in the hospital( 22.1%). 72.5% agreed that hand rubbing is faster for cleaning than hand washing. 80.2% agreed that hand rubbing does not cause skin drying more than hand washing. 68.1% knew that hand rubbing was more effective against germs than hand washing and 78.6% of participants were aware that washing and rubbing of hands is not recommended to be performed in that sequence. Conclusions: it is necessary to improve the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding hand hygiene throughinternships and workshops, organizing annual seminars and putting them into practice for the assessment of clinical skills.