Abstract: Health Care Associated Infections (HCAI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients. Hand hygiene is pivotal to controlling these infections. The perception and practice of hand hygiene among clinical medical students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, Nigeria were studied. Many knew that infections can be transmitted between patients through the hands of healthcare workers and students (95.6%). Only 63.0% had received formal training on hand washing. Some believe that wearing gloves reduces the need for hand hygiene (44.5%). Those that practice hand hygiene before and after touching patients were 17.0% and 43.7%, respectively. Reasons given for not practicing hand hygiene adequately were lack of water (88.1%), lack of sanitizer (76.3%), forgetfulness (79.3%) and insufficient time as they had many things to attend to (54.1%). Medical students should receive training on hand hygiene, and facilities for its practice should be adequately provided.
Keywords: Hand, hygiene, washing, medical student, sanitizer, alcohol, practice, challenges.
Title: HAND HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA
Author: Chinyerem Cynthia Nwachukwu, Amaechi Chinedu Nwachukwu, Gabriel Ifeanyi Eyisi, Ifeoma Anne Njelita, Chijioke Amara Ezenyeaku
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 11, Issue 1, April 2023 - September 2023
Page No: 10-17
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 19-April-2023
