Publication:

Hand-hygiene beliefs and practices of students in health-related departments of a university in Mogadishu, Somalia

Background This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hand hygiene beliefs and practices of university students studying in health-related departments in Mogadishu, Somalia. Evidence on hand washing knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare students in low- and middle-income countries is limited.

Methods This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hand hygiene beliefs and practices of university students studying in health-related departments in Mogadishu, Somalia. Evidence on hand washing knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare students in low- and middle-income countries is limited.

Results The mean age of the participants was 20.31±1.85 years and the majority were female (76.6%). The mean Hand Hygiene Beliefs Inventory (HHBI) score was 55.90±11.48, while the mean hand hygiene practices inventory (HHPI) score was 80.16±15.23. A moderate, statistically significant positive correlation was found between HHBI and HHPI scores (r=0.514, p<0.01). Students who reported adherence to hand hygiene practices had significantly higher belief and practice scores compared to those who did not (p<0.01). Regression analysis demonstrated that hand hygiene beliefs were a significant predictor of hand hygiene practices.

Conclusions Although students demonstrated moderate levels of hand hygiene beliefs and practices, gaps remain that may compromise infection prevention efforts. As hand hygiene belief levels increased, practice levels also improved. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions and multimodal strategies to strengthen hand hygiene beliefs and practices among healthcare-related university students, particularly in resource-limited settings.