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. 2017 Jan-Mar;6(1):136-140.
doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.214971.

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

Ahmed A Mahfouz  1 , Ahmed Abolyazid  1   2 , Hasan M Al-Musa  1 , Nabil J Awadallah  1 , Aesha Faraheen  1 , Shamsunhar Khalil  1 , Mohammad N El-Gamal  3 , Khalid M Al-Musa  4
Affiliations

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

Ahmed A Mahfouz et al. J Family Med Prim Care. 2017 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Hand hygiene; Saudi Arabia; primary health care workers.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

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