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Document Type

Original Article

Abstract

Health care associated infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality especially among the vulnerable groups and a majority of these infections are due to contamination of healthcare workers (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 Rizgary Teaching Hospital. 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 The overall knowledge on hand hygiene was good. The common barriers to effective hand hygiene noted were 53/80 (66.2 %) opted to use gloves, 45/80 (56.2%) forgetfulness, and 43/ 80(53.7%) lack of alcohol based hand rub and lack of towels. Recommendations Due to the close relationship between hand hygiene and the transfer of microbes to the inpatients by the health care workers. This study recommends adherence to the WHO guidelines for washing and disinfecting hands before and after contact with the patients and holding regular educational training courses for the health care workers, finally, provision of educational posters and alcohol based hand rubs in the hospital units.

Publication Date

11-1-2018

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