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

• Main Authors: Ahmed A Mahfouz, Ahmed Abolyazid, Hasan M Al-Musa, Nabil J Awadallah, Aesha Faraheen, Shamsunhar Khalil, Mohammad N El-Gamal, Khalid M Al-Musa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
• Subjects: Hand hygiene; primary health care workers; Saudi Arabia
• Online Access: http://www.jfmpc.com/article.asp?issn=2249-4863;year=2017;volume=6;issue=1;spage=136;epage=140;aulast=Mahfouz

Purpose: 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. Methods: Data were collected through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on a WHO “Knowledge Questionnaire for Health Care Workers.” Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.