A cross-sectional survey on hand hygiene among nursing students working in an eastern Indian hospital.

Article Information

Title: A cross-sectional survey on hand hygiene among nursing students working in an eastern Indian hospital.

Authors: Saswati Chattopadhyay, Tanusri Biswas, Paramita Das, Nabamita Chaudhury, Arindam Dasgupta, Arghya Nath, Soumi Nag

Journal: International Journal of Endorsing Health Science Research

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2021-07-01	2022-06-30
Y	2020-07-01	2021-06-30

Publisher: Advance Educational Institute & Research Centre

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 11

Issue: 1

Language: English

Keywords: Antibiotic ResistanceHospital-Associated InfectionsHand HygieneHand RubHand Wash.

Abstract

Background:&nbsp;Proper hand hygiene practices by healthcare providers are critical to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). This study aimed to assess the hand hygiene knowledge and practices of nursing students in various departments and operation theatres of a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India.
Methodology:&nbsp;A cross-sectional survey based on WHO questions was conducted in March-April 2022 to evaluate the hand hygiene knowledge and practices of 105 nursing students. The study included nursing students from different departments, including medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, eye, different ICUs (adult, NICU, and PICU), and different OTs. The collected data were analyzed according to the STROBE guidelines.
Results:&nbsp;Of the 105 nursing students, 42.86% had no training in hand hygiene practices, highlighting the need for additional training. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most students (86%) were familiar with using alcohol-based hand rubs. Most students preferred hand rubbing before giving an injection (65.74%), while hand washing was preferred after vacating a bedpan (91.42%) or being exposed to blood (89.52%). Comparing the pre-and post-workshop questionnaires showed a significant improvement in hand hygiene knowledge. However, more training is required to understand the importance of infection spread from the infected hands of HCWs. Additionally, gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene practices, and wearing jewelry and artificial nails should be avoided. Regular training and workshops can increase awareness among nursing students.
Conclusion:&nbsp;The findings indicate a need for ongoing training to improve hand hygiene practices among nursing students. Regular training and workshops can increase awareness and knowledge, leading to decreased incidence of HCAIs.

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Research Objective

To assess the hand hygiene knowledge and practices of nursing students in various departments and operation theatres of a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India.

Methodology

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 nursing students using a WHO questionnaire. Data were collected in March-April 2022 and analyzed using descriptive statistics according to STROBE guidelines.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Obtain Ethical Clearance] --> B[Administer WHO Hand Hygiene Questionnaire];
    B --> C[Conduct Workshop: Lectures, Videos, Demonstrations];
    C --> D[Administer Post-Workshop Questionnaire];
    D --> E[Collect Data on Attitude and Practice];
    E --> F[Analyze Data using Descriptive Statistics];
    F --> G[Interpret Findings based on STROBE Guidelines];
    G --> H[Formulate Conclusion and Recommendations];

Discussion

Hand hygiene is critical for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), yet compliance among healthcare workers, including nursing students, remains low. While knowledge improved after training, practical application and attitude require further attention. Educational programs need to emphasize HCAI causes and the role of hand hygiene.

Key Findings

- 42.86% of nursing students had no formal training in hand hygiene practices.
- 82.86% were familiar with alcohol-based hand rubs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Most students preferred hand rubbing before injections (65.74%) and hand washing after vacating a bedpan (91.42%) or exposure to blood (89.52%).
- Post-workshop questionnaires showed significant improvement in hand hygiene knowledge.
- Gaps exist in understanding the importance of infection spread from infected hands and that gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene.

Conclusion

Ongoing training and regular monitoring by an infection control team are necessary to improve hand hygiene practices among nursing students. Enhancing the availability of hand washing facilities and alcohol-based hand rubs is also recommended to decrease HCAI incidence.

Fact Check

- The study involved 105 nursing students. (Confirmed in Methodology and Results sections)
- 42.86% of students had no formal training in hand hygiene. (Confirmed in Results section)
- 82.86% of students were familiar with alcohol-based hand sanitizer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Confirmed in Results section)

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