IMPACT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF HAND HYGIENE IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS TOWARD INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN INDIA

Abstract

Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are a major concern in the intensive care units (ICU)and postoperative wards. HAIs prolonged the stay of patient in hospital and increase the cost of treatment and morbidity. In ICU, stroke unit, neurosurgery ward burn unit patients are prone to have a variety of nosocomial infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described HAIs as one of the infectious diseases which have a huge economic impact on health industry. (1). many health workers like Staff Nurses, resident doctors and housekeeping are in direct or indirect contact with the Patients and surrounding in wards around the clock. These HCW play major role in preventing and controlling HAIs. In overpopulated country like India majority of public hospitals are overcrowded.