Abstract
problems among many countries all over the world. Hand hygiene is considered the most
important measure to reduce the healthcare associated infections and prevent the cross
transmission of microorganisms. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge,
attitudes and practices of medical students toward hand hygiene.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in King Faisal University Medical
College, Saudi Arabia.
Results The response rate of medical students to the survey was 83.2%. Fifty three
percent (53.6%) of the respondents were females, and 67.2% were from sixth year,
compared to 32.8% from fifth year and 94.9% of females, compared to 87.1% of males
identified that hand hygiene action before touching a patient prevents transmission of
infection to patient (?2 = 3.5, P = 0.061). The majority of the females (82.7%) as compared
to 64.7% of males responded correctly that hand hygiene prevent transmission of
infection to health care workers before aseptic procedure ( ?2 = 7.68, P = 0.006). A small
proportion of males (23.5%) and females (27.6%) had positive attitudes towards
feeling frustrated when others pass over hand hygiene ( ?2 = 9.56, P = 0.023). And 36.3% of
males compared to 30.6% of females reported that they always adhere to correct hand
hygiene practices at all times ( ?2 = 6.42, P = 0.093).
Conclusion Healthcare associated infection control practices are influenced mainly
by knowledge and attitudes of healthcare personnel. Medical students in King Faisal
University showed proper hand hygiene knowledge and attitudes; however, compliance
was rated as being poor. The deficiencies at all levels in knowledge and attitudes may
lead to significant spread of healthcare associated infections.
Keywords
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