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A Study on hand washing practices among Health care workers in Embu Referral Hospital, Embu County

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dc.contributor.author Songa, Jackson
dc.date.accessioned 2021-09-27T09:39:50Z
dc.date.available 2021-09-27T09:39:50Z
dc.date.issued 2015
dc.identifier.uri http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/5241
dc.description.abstract Introduction: There is very little published information on hand washing practices of Health Care Workers (HCWs), their knowledge, perceived barriers & facilities for practicing hand washing in hospitals from Kenya. So this study was undertaken. Such studies give important inputs for further research, policy making & planning. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study which was conducted in Embu Referral hospitals of Embu County had two components: 1) Direct observation of hand washing pre & post patient contact followed by 2) administration of anonymous questionnaire testing knowledge. A total of 142 hand washing opportunities were studied. The study was conducted in consenting Departments affiliated to the hospital. Two study tools based on use were: 1) Performa to record practices; and 2) Questionnaire to test knowledge of HCWs. Results: Only 129 observations could be made. Though the HCWs had general awareness about Hand Washing Practices (HWPs), they lacked information about specific aspects & the practices were poor. Low hand washing rates (%) were observed among nurses (28) & doctors (23). There was a gap between knowledge and practice. Knowledge of doctors on various aspects of hand washing was inadequate though it was better than nurses. "High Work Load" & "Lack of Time" were perceived to be important barriers for Hand Washing Practices (HWPs). Shortage of sinks was noticed in different Departments. Conclusion: There is a need to develop guidelines for hand washing practices & the facilities for it in the Departments of Embu County Hospital. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher Pinnacle Medicine & Medical Sciences en_US
dc.subject Hand washing en_US
dc.subject Health care worker en_US
dc.title A Study on hand washing practices among Health care workers in Embu Referral Hospital, Embu County en_US
dc.type Article en_US


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