Prevalence of hand washing and associated factors to unaccomplishment. A shade study
Main Article Content
Keywords
Hand washing, Hygiene, Nosocomial, infections
Abstract
Introduction: Hand washing (HW) is the main strategy to prevent nosocomial infections (Nis). Washing the hands for 30 seconds reduces up to 90% of bacteria on hands.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of HW and associated factors to unaccomplishment in Hospital of Specialties at Natio- nal Medical Center "La Raza".
Methodology: Doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists were randomized selected, observed, and interviewed by trained nurses utilizing the "Guideline for HW in Hospitals" to evaluate the adequate accomplishment of HW. Through a questionnaire, factors associated to unaccomplishment of HW, existence of supplies for HW, knowledge regarding prevention of INs, and periodicity of HW training were researched. Analysis of simple frequencies, Ji square, t-student, and variability analysis were performed.
Results: 299 health workers were interviewed. The general prevalence of HW was 60.2%. Nurses 62%, resident doctors 57.6%, doctors 75%, and respiratory therapists 20% (p=0.03). 56.5% respondents manifested having received a lecture about HW; 41.1% needs training. The motive of unaccomplishment of HW was 28.4% due to overwork; 31.8 due to lack of supplies; and 9.6% due to skin irritation. Facors associated to unaccomplishment were lack of disposable paper towels, and unknowing the existence of a INs Committee (p<0.01).
Conclusions: The prevalence of HW in the hospital is acceptable; howe- ver, the quality of HW is poor. The lack of supplies for HW, and unk- nowing the existence of Infections Committee is associated to unac- complishment of HW.
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