Hand hygiene practices among laboratory and ward attendants in a health facility in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State

Abstract

Introduction: Handwashing reduces the risk of transmission of infection; greater emphases are often placed on the practices of doctors and nurses; however, activities of other staffs such as laboratory and ward attendants influence treatment outcome; therefore, this study seeks to determine the hand hygiene practices among laboratory and ward attendants in a federal health institution. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving laboratory and ward attendants and clinical assistants. Participants were selected by convenience sampling and data were collected using pretested questionnaire. Result: Forty-five respondents were involved in this study. All the respondents (100%) who are aware of handwashing can reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infection. Most (84.4%) respondents could not correctly mention the steps in handwashing, “my five-moments in handwashing,” and the date of the Global Handwashing Day. Almost all the respondents (97.8%) washed their hands with water and soap at most times and only one (2.2%) used water only for handwashing. Only 9 (20.0%) of the respondents wash their hands before touching patients, while all respondents wash their hands after touching patients. Similarly, 44 (97.8%) of the respondents wash their hands after handling patient materials. All of the respondents (100%) reported washing their hands after using the restroom. Conclusion: The study showed that although most of the respondents wash their hands with soap and water, they do not know the steps in handwashing, suggesting the need for health education on the steps and procedures for handwashing.

Keywords

• Clinical assistants
• hand hygiene practice
• hospital attendants