TITLE:
Hand Hygiene in Pediatric Emergency Care Unit in a Teaching Hospital in Benin
AUTHORS:
L. Zohoun, C. Degbey, C. Lajoumo, M. D’Almeida
KEYWORDS:
Hand Hygiene, Healthcare Associated Infections, Adherence, Pediatrics
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.10 No.4,
December
14,
2020
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Appropriate hand hygiene reduces healthcare associated
infections (HCAI). The present study was an attempt to determine the real
knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals of pediatric emergency care
unit in Benin. Methods: This was a three-month observational study.
First a trained interviewer observed both the premises and the healthcare
professionals during their administering treatment, without their knowledge.
Second, their level of knowledge about HCAI was examined using a
self-administered questionnaire. Finally, bacteria were cultured/measured from
their hands before and after hand-washing through swab samples. Outcome: The
modes of microorganism transmission were poorly known (21.6%), but knowledge
about the 5 moments for hand hygiene was satisfactory (84.1%). Hand hygiene
adherence rate was 6.9% in the study population. Simple hand-washing was
prevalent (82%). The healthcare professionals did not adhere to
the recommended duration for hand-washing. The required hand-washing equipment
was inadequate, and alcohol-based handrub dispenser was unavailable.
Microorganism isolated from healthcare professionals before hand-washing
included Klebsiella pneumonia and Enterobacter Cloacae. After hand-washing, the
transient flora decreased. Conclusion: Hand hygiene adherence rate is
low in the study population. An immediate action is required to improve
observance of hand-washing. This may include: training healthcare professionals,
displaying visual behavior reminder posters, providing alcohol-based handrub.