TITLE:
Knowledge and Practice of Handwashing among Health Care Workers as a Measure of Covid-19 Infection Prevention in Federal Medical Centre, Asaba
AUTHORS:
Ezunu Ngozi Esther, Ezunu Emmanuel Okechukwu, Aigbokhaode Adesuwa Queen, Agbele Theresa, Okwudishu Marian Ngozi, Ogwuazor Phillipa, Iwebelua Rosemary Ngozi, Ofilli Antoinette Ngozi, Appiah Stella, Osiatuma Victor Azubuike
KEYWORDS:
Asaba, Hand-Washing, Healthcare-Workers, Knowledge, Practice
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.10 No.9,
September
9,
2022
ABSTRACT: Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection which is responsible for the recent Pandemic with its socioeconomic and Health consequences. One way to control the spread of the disease is through hand hygiene. This study was done to examine the knowledge and practice of hand washing to limit COVID-19. Method: An institutional-based, cross-sectional study carried out among 247 Health care workers using systemic sampling. A standardized questionnaire used in a previous study was used to collect data. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: Health care workers had good knowledge (92.0%) and practice (99.0%) of hand washing, respondent’s profession (chi-square value = 618, p value = 0.001), and Gender (chi-square = 5234, p-value = 0.022) were statistically significant. Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of hand-washing were generally good in Federal Medical Centre Asaba. However, conscious and targeted efforts should be maintained by hospital organizations in organizing regular training on Infection, Prevention. They should also make available running water and consumables for hand-washing exercises.