Evaluation of handwashing technique held by medical interns in the educational and medical centers of Guilan university of medical sciences in Rasht

Abstract

Introduction: Hand hygiene is a significant strategy in preventing and controlling infections with a great impact on nosocomial infections and preventing microbial resistance. Objectives: The main goal of this study was to investigate the performance of medical interns in handwashing in the educational and medical centers of Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 2020 in Rasht city. The study population consisted of all medical interns. The handwashing was observed in medical interns after obtaining their permission and separately at a suitable time and place. They were given a grade based on a poster approved by the Ministry of Health of Iran. Results: A total number of 147 medical interns were enrolled in this study. We also found out that the mean score of study population in handwashing steps was 7.11± 1.97. The lowest rate of correct performance was for 5th (tying the fingertips and washing them) (32%), 8th (washing around the wrist) (49.7%) and 7th (washing the palm lines with the fingertips) (53.1%) steps. The performance score of female interns had a higher average than male interns (7.4 versus 6.8) (P=0.028). Conclusion: Considering the importance of handwashing in preventing the transmission of diseases, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic and the repeated recommendations to wash hands properly as a simple and accessible way to prevent further transmission of the virus, the review of the awareness and practice of medical interns about the handwashing seems to be critical.