Assessment of Hand Hygiene Practices and Barriers to hand Hygiene among Healthcare workers of Government Medical College Hospital Jammu

Abstract

Introduction: Hand hygiene is most effective interventions to reduce spread of pathogens and prevent Hospital Acquired Infections (HIAs). Compliance of healthcare workers with hand hygiene practices is vital in preventing transmission of HIAs.Aims: To assess practices and barriers of hand hygiene among healthcare workers of GMCH Jammu.Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers of Government Medical College Hospital Jammu. Simple random sampling was used to interview 250 participants. Data was collected using pretested, validated and semi structured questionnaire. Details like products used for hand hygiene, moments of hand hygiene, barriers to hand hygiene practices and knowledge about hand hygiene were asked. Appropriate statistical tests were appliedResults: Out of 250 healthcare workers majority were using soap and water 203(81%) and alcohol based sanitizers 202(80%).Majority 234(93.6%) were always performing hand hygiene after touching blood, body fluids and secretions,222(88.8%) and after contact with the patients but only 138(55.2%) were following hand hygiene practices while switching from one patient to other.Most common barrier to wash hands was lack of soap/water115(46%) and inconvenient location of sinks 112(44.8%). Only 117(46.8%) were following six steps of hand wash. The association between designation of health care worker and steps of handwashing was found to be statistical significant. Conclusion: Observed compliance to hand hygiene practices is low. There is lack of knowledge to perform six steps of hand washing and lack of facilities to maintain hand hygiene.