TO STUDY THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HAND-WASHING AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Sajad Bhat*, Nowsheen Zaffer, Haroon Rashid and Abdul Hakim

ABSTRACT

Hand hygiene is important to reduce potential risk of transmission of microorganisms to patients, to reduce health care worker infection caused by organisms acquired from the patient, to reduce morbidity, mortality and costs associated with health care associated infections especially during COVID 19. AIM: The objectives of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of hand-washing among HCPs and also identify factors that motivate and constraint against hand washing practices amongst HCPs during COVID 19. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive, study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of hand washing among healthcare workers at Sher-i- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences.(SKIMS) during COVID 19 pandemic. A self structured questionnaire was prepared containing questions to asses knowledge, attitude and practice of hand washing. A total of 88 health care workers participated in the study including 23 doctors, 37 nurses, 11 technicians and 17 nursing aids. A scoring system was used where 1 point was given for each correct response to knowledge, positive attitudes and good practices. 0 was given for incorrect knowledge, negative attitudes and poor practices. A score of more than 75% was considered good, 50-74% moderate and less than 50% poor. Results: It was observed that in COVID 19 pandemic the HCWs had very good knowledge, attitude and practice towards hand hygiene practices. Almost 100% (n=88) said that contaminated hands is a vehicle for transmission of infections in hospitals. It was observed that majority of the respondents were having a positive attitude towards hand hygiene as the all affirmed that they adhere to hand hygiene practice all the time. When the respondents were asked about practice of hand hygiene, almost all of them told that they wash hands before patient contact and bedside procedure. Conclusion: The study concluded that the hcw‘s had a good knowledge attitude and practice of hand hygiene which needs to be maintained. The same can be improved by regular training sessions and sensitizing the staff about need of regular hand washing.

Keywords: Hand Hygien, HCW: health care worker, HCP: helath care professional.