Publication:

Cross-sectional study to assess knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among 1st year Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Science students

Background Hand hygiene is recognized as the leading measure to prevent health care associated infections. WHO has introduced evidence-based guideline on hand hygiene practice among healthcare professionals. But, knowledge and practice of hand hygiene remains poor among students. Therefore, the present study was planned to study knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Science (BNYS) students.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 79 first year BNYS students. Knowledge of students was assessed using WHO hand hygiene questionnaire; practices were evaluated by using another self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate percentages for knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among study subjects.

Results 35 (44%) of the students had moderate level of knowledge and 25 (32%) students had poor knowledge of hand hygiene. 73 (92%) students had correct knowledge that hand hygiene action before touching a patient prevented transmission of germs to the patient. Only 11 (14%) had knowledge that artificial nails should be avoided. Only 19 (24%) students were aware that hand rubbing was required before palpation of abdomen. Only 34 (43%) students adhered to hand hygiene practices regularly.

Conclusions Hand hygiene is an important tool for prevention of hospital acquired infections. The overall knowledge and practice of hand hygiene was not good among study subjects and a few numbers of students had attended formal training about hand hygiene. These findings indicate that the BNYS students require increased emphasis on hand hygiene education and training in their curriculum.